Serbia is preparing for an early transition to winter time on October 25, 2026, marking the earliest such change in the past 11 years. This adjustment, which involves setting clocks back one hour at 3:00 AM, will result in a day lasting 25 hours. While this might seem like a bonus hour of sleep, health experts caution that the shift can significantly disrupt biological rhythms and lead to various health issues.
The transition to winter time, or Central European Time (CET), typically occurs on the last weekend of October. However, due to this year’s calendar alignment, the change is happening earlier than usual, accelerating the onset of shorter autumn days and earlier nightfall. This is the first time since 2014 that the transition has occurred on October 25.
Health professionals are raising concerns about the impact of this time change on the human body. Dr. Nataša Stanković, a specialist in general medicine, explained that the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone regulating sleep, is influenced by daily patterns of light and darkness. The shift in time can disrupt melatonin production, leading to sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, and feeling tired during the day. The adjustment period to the new schedule can last from three days to two weeks, with the most noticeable effects occurring three to five days after the change.
For individuals with cardiovascular issues, the time shift poses additional risks. Dr. Radinka Pekić, a cardiology specialist, highlighted that the stress of adjusting to a new sleep rhythm can increase stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can be particularly dangerous for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
The European Commission has established regulations for daylight saving time transitions, which will remain in effect until 2031. Despite the routine nature of these transitions, the unique timing of this year’s change underscores the need for awareness regarding its potential health impacts. As Serbia moves towards winter time, citizens are advised to be mindful of the possible physiological effects and to allow their bodies time to adjust to the new schedule.
