Why do we still change the clocks — and does it still make sense?

From energy savings to consequences for our health and lifestyle.

The practice of changing clocks twice a year — Daylight Saving Time (DST) / Standard Time — may seem like a relic of the industrial era, yet it persists in Europe, including in Portugal. In this post we’ll explore what lies behind this measure, what studies say about its effects, and why it matters for those living in Portugal (and for expats).

1. Origin and historical motive

• The clock changes gained prominence during wars (e.g., World War I) with the official goal of saving fuel (coal, lighting). Diário de Notícias+3Wikipédia+3euronews+3

• In Portugal the first adjustment of clocks occurred in 1916. Diário de Notícias+1

• Within the EU, the directive regulating the biannual clock change was introduced to harmonize markets, transport and avoid divergent timekeeping across member states. euronews+1

2. Official reasons vs. actual outcomes

• Officially: more daylight in the evening → less artificial lighting, more leisure, commerce, tourism. sppneumologia.pt+2euronews+2

• However, studies show that energy savings are at best modest and often negligible. euronews+1

• And the “benefit for all” claim is questionable: impacts on health, circadian rhythms, productivity and accidents are emerging.

3. Key health, welfare and societal impacts

• Changing the clock disturbs our internal “body clock” (circadian rhythm). University of Kent - University of Kent+1

• In particular, the transition to DST (spring forward) is linked with a slight increase in heart attacks and strokes during the first days. PMC+2Nature+2

• Sleep disturbances, fatigue, reduced performance, sense of time-pressure also documented. lse.ac.uk

• Example: A study across 16 European countries found mortality increases in the two weeks after the autumn transition. PMC

4. Economic and social considerations

• Beyond health, there are productivity impacts, financial market volatility, hidden costs. n26.com

• In Portugal this remains a live issue despite the doubts about its effectiveness. sppneumologia.pt

5. What’s being considered — and why it matters in real estate

• In Europe the abolition of biannual clock changes is under discussion — each EU country might choose to keep permanent summer time or permanent standard time. euronews+1

• For quality of life, this is relevant: official time, daylight hours, rhythm of life all affect how someone feels in their home.

• “How the daylight and daily rhythms influence your lifestyle.”

6. Quick reflections / call to action

• Does continuing to change the clocks still make sense, or has it become a bureaucratic artefact that carries more cost than benefit?

• “When you choose a home, do you also think about daylight at the end of the day, your family’s sleep, your community rhythm?”

Clock changes are not just about adjusting digits — they touch our health, our well-being, our daily rhythm. As evidence grows, the practice needs re-thinking. And for those living or relocating to Portugal, being aware of these “small details” makes the difference between a house and a home where you thrive.