Tonight solar time returns. It is the most natural for the body, but it risks disappearing forever

Standard time returns on Sunday. The ritual of moving the hands back (most watches actually adjust automatically) is accompanied by an extra hour of sleep.

In winter, the time marked by clocks harmonizes with the circadian rhythms of our organism. It is no coincidence that the heart and sleep disorders that characterize the change of time are much reduced compared to the movement of the hands in spring.

More light in the evening or more light in the morning

Despite this, solar time risks disappearing. The governments of several countries – from Trump's United States to the current majority in Italy – want to eliminate the six-monthly movement of the hands and make summer time permanent. The hour of light lost since Monday is gained in the morning. However, in the eyes of many, this spoils their mood, social life and propensity to purchase.

This is supported by a fact-finding investigation by the Chamber, promoted by the League, which does not hide a propensity for permanent summer time.

“Daylight saving time favors purchases”

Its introduction, as Confesercenti notes for example, "with the consequent extension of natural light in the afternoon-evening period, could favor retail trade" thanks to the "greater propensity to go out and stay in commercial spaces after working hours".

The opinion of Confcommercio is similar, which applauds the "greater availability of natural light during the hours of greatest propensity to consume".

Doctors in favor of solar time

Most medical societies, in contrast, recommend permanent standard time. Natural morning light serves to regulate our body's circadian clock.

“This should be the last time we need to change the time,” Karin Johnson, co-president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, wrote a few days ago in an editorial on the medical society's website. "Changing the clock can impact sleep, health and safety. Lawmakers have the opportunity to put an end to it once and for all by choosing permanent standard time for brighter mornings, better sleep and safer streets."

Trump's Daylight Saving Time Mission

America actually passed a law in the House to make daylight saving time permanent. The measure is blocked in the Senate, but President Trump has made it a personal matter. At the beginning of October he invited all Americans to call Senator Tom Cotton (he made his cell phone public) to convince him to withdraw his no.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, misaligning clocks from our natural circadian rhythm causes an increase in heart problems (6% more in the days immediately following the spring time change) and road accidents, as well as promoting obesity, depression and poor performance at school.

Electricity savings are in doubt

Even electricity savings - according to Terna the half-yearly change of the clock causes people to spend 90 million euros less per year - according to experts should be reviewed. The contribution of photovoltaics and the increase in consumption for air conditioners in summer require a recalculation of the figure.