Daylight Saving Time: Health Impacts & How to Adjust | 2024/2026 Changes

Czech citizens will adjust their clocks forward by one hour on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as daylight saving time begins. The change, occurring at 02:00, will result in a loss of one hour of sleep.

This year’s time shift is not expected to be the last. Despite ongoing debate and European Union discussions regarding the abolition of seasonal time changes, the practice will continue for the foreseeable future. A recent law will need to be adopted before any permanent change can be implemented, according to iDNES.cz.

The tradition of altering clocks twice a year, once in March and again in October, dates back to 1979 in Czechoslovakia. While initially intended to conserve energy, modern energy experts question its effectiveness in reducing electricity consumption. The practice originated during World War I as a means of saving energy, and was briefly revived during World War II.

The shift to daylight saving time is not without its drawbacks. Medical professionals have voiced concerns about the negative impact on the human body, citing potential increases in the risk of heart attacks, depression, and traffic accidents. The disruption to the body’s natural rhythms can be significant, as noted by Český rozhlas.

While computers and mobile phones will automatically adjust to the new time, individuals using traditional clocks will need to manually adjust them. Experts recommend preparing for the change by gradually adjusting sleep schedules in the days leading up to March 29th. Český rozhlas Ostrava suggests strategies for mitigating the impact on both physical and mental well-being.

The return to standard time is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, when clocks will be turned back one hour.