Clock shift, that bi-annual phenomenon that always seems to catch us by surprise. Maybe you think it's a habit from the past that has lost its meaning, or you appreciate the extra hour of sleep it brings in the fall (or you regret the loss of an hour in the spring). But did you know that moving the clock is not without consequences? From scientific research to Internet memes, this article explores the humorous and not so humorous effects of changing the clock on our lives.
Shifting the clock has different effects on people, especially those with dementia. The British Alzheimer's Association warns that the movement of clocks back in autumn can disorient people with dementia as they have to adjust to darker mornings and changes in their sleep1. But that's not the only strange effect of the clock shift.
Biological impact of clock displacement on our body is not negligible. Our internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is very sensitive to changes in light and time, meaning that shifting the clock can affect our sleep patterns, mood and even our ability to concentrate. When the clock shifts, our body needs some time to adjust to the new schedule. Research shows that it can take anywhere from a few days to a week to fully adjust, depending on the individual. Some people can adapt in just a day or two, while others need more time. Interestingly, even a small change, such as moving the clock forward by an hour, can trigger the feeling of jet lag usually associated with long flights across time zones. The body needs time to restore balance and get used to new light conditions and time conditions, which is another proof of how strongly our biological clocks are connected to the natural environment around us.
When in 2023 do we move the clock
When do we move the clock to 2023? In the coming year, the clock will change to summer time on the last Sunday in March, i.e. on March 26, 2023. The hands will move at night: when the clock strikes 2:00 in the morning, we will move it to 3:00 in the morning.
The shift to winter time will happen approximately 7 months later, on October 29, 2023. At that time, the clock will move again at night, from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Research from University of California, Berkeley, showed that moving the clocks in the spring, when we lose an hour of sleep, can affect our behavior toward others. An analysis of millions of charitable donations in the U.S. between 2001 and 2016 found that donations dropped significantly in the week following the clock change. Losing sleep due to the clock shift appears to reduce our willingness to help others, whether the people are close to us or not.
Movement of the clock it's also a great opportunity for humor, especially on the Internet. Memes circulating around the movement of the clock often describe our confusion and frustration at the sudden change in time. As described on one website, the movement of the clock is like a tiger that surprises us and forces us to rethink our routine. Of course, the internet has a great way of making us smile even when dealing with such unexpected changes.
What's more, the clock shift can also bring some unusual and fun traditions. In some places, people organize special events or activities related to this time change. For example, in some US cities, places like bars and restaurants offer special discounts or promotions in honor of the clock change. These events create a community bond and add a touch of humor to our attitude towards moving the clock.
At the end, moving the clock is more than a simple time change. It affects our health, our relationships with others and our sense of humor. So, the next time you need to move the clock forward or backward, remember all the strange and funny effects this tradition brings to our everyday lives. Also, you might want to share a funny clock shift meme or two on your social media to cheer up your friends and family!
Why are we still moving the clock, despite the negative consequences?!
Moving the clock is a tradition that dates back to times when countries were looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, especially during the First and Second World Wars. The idea was that by moving the clock forward in the spring and back in the fall, we would make better use of daylight, thereby reducing the need for artificial light and heating. However, a lot of modern research shows that changing the clock can have a negative effect on our health and well-being. Nevertheless, the tradition of moving the clock persists for several reasons.
- Energy efficiency: Shifting the clock can still contribute to a slightly reduced energy consumption, as it makes better use of daylight.
- Extension of daylight hours: The clock shift in spring allows the days to be longer, which can be beneficial for trade, tourism and other outdoor activities.
- Historical and cultural tradition: Moving the clock is also part of the historical and cultural tradition in many countries, which can make it difficult to break away from the practice.
- Management and logistics advantages: Uniform time across a country or region can simplify planning and logistics for businesses, governments and other organizations.
- Coordination with international partners: Some countries may maintain a clock shift to stay aligned with the time zones and schedules of international partners.
However, some countries and regions are debating or have already abandoned the practice of moving the clock, as the negative effects on human health and well-being may outweigh the potential benefits. For example, in 2019 the European Union approved a proposal to stop moving the clock, although no final decision has yet been made. Also, some areas such as Arizona in the US have not implemented the clock shift for a long time. The debate over the pros and cons of moving the clock is likely to continue as societies weigh traditional practices in light of modern research and understanding.
