As the final rays of summer fade in Lithuania, the country’s clocks will be set back one hour on Sunday, signaling more than just the change of seasons
LITHUANIA, Oct 27 (Telegraph News) — This transition from summer to standard time is more than just an annual event; it represents the nation’s decision to cancel summertime, a decision that has divided opinions and rippled through discussions on health, economy, and tradition.
The original motive for instituting summer and standard time was to better utilize daylight hours. Summer nights gained more daylight as clocks were advanced, theoretically encouraging outdoor activities and boosting tourism. However, this age-old practice is now being criticized, particularly for its negative influence on health.
Detractors claim that the biannual time shift disrupts sleep habits, resulting in detrimental health repercussions, particularly for vulnerable populations like as children and the elderly.
Lithuania’s action is consistent with a growing European trend. Finland and Sweden have already decided to keep standard time all year, citing comparable health concerns and the harmful effects of crossing time zones twice a year.
The European Union is also exploring a proposal to stop the practice entirely, giving member countries the option of remaining on summer or standard time.
