The Impact of Returning to Standard Time: What You Need to Know

As autumn approaches, a familiar shift back to standard time is anticipated. In Italy, this transition will occur on the night of Saturday, October 25, 2025, when clocks will roll back one hour at 3 a.m., reverting to 2 a.m. This adjustment provides an extra hour of sleep and marks the conclusion of daylight saving time, which will resume in March 2026.

This adjustment impacts more than just sleep patterns; it alters the distribution of natural light throughout daily routines, resulting in earlier sunrises and sunsets. This report examines the mechanics of this time change and its effects, both in Italy and globally.

The mechanics of time changes

The term standard time refers to the time that aligns with the sun’s natural movement, where noon occurs when the sun is at its zenith. This system is generally deemed more in harmony with natural day-night cycles. In contrast, daylight saving time shifts the clock forward by one hour to maximize daylight during summer months, aiming to reduce reliance on artificial lighting.

When daylight saving time is active, solar noon is delayed, extending natural light into the later hours of the day, which benefits evening activities. Conversely, standard time optimizes light availability in the mornings during the shorter autumn and winter days.

A historical perspective

The practice of alternating between standard time and daylight saving time is rooted in tradition, particularly in Italy, where it was first implemented in 1916 and became consistent by 1966. Currently, around 40% of the world’s nations observe this practice, with approximately 71 countries engaging in this biannual clock adjustment. Technological advancements have simplified the process, as most devices like smartphones and computers now update automatically, adhering to European standards.

Global practices regarding time changes

On October 25, 2025, Italy will join the rest of the European Union in moving clocks back one hour. This synchronized approach to time changes is a long-standing European practice, with the last Sunday of October designated for the shift to standard time. The next reversion to daylight saving time will occur in March 2026, specifically on the last Sunday of that month.

Despite the routine nature of these transitions, discussions are ongoing within the European Union about the potential permanence of one time system. In 2018, the European Parliament tasked the European Commission with evaluating the idea of abolishing the clock change altogether. The subsequent year, the Commission indicated a preference for halting the time shifts, leaving it up to individual countries to decide between maintaining standard time or daylight saving time.

Regional variations in time practices

Globally, the approach to daylight saving time is not uniform. In the United States, for instance, the clock change occurs twice yearly, but on different dates than in Europe; it starts on the second Sunday in March and concludes on the first Sunday in November. Some states, such as Arizona and Hawaii, have opted out of daylight saving time, maintaining standard time throughout the year.

In Asia, daylight saving time is relatively rare, with few countries adopting it. Japan, for instance, adheres to a consistent time year-round. Similarly, in South America and Africa, the application of daylight saving time varies widely. Brazil abandoned the practice in 2019, while South Africa does not implement it due to minimal fluctuations in daylight hours throughout the year.

Trends and future considerations

In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of countries observing daylight saving time. From 79 countries in 2015, the count has steadily decreased to 71. This trend has been attributed to growing concerns over health implications, particularly regarding sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.

This adjustment impacts more than just sleep patterns; it alters the distribution of natural light throughout daily routines, resulting in earlier sunrises and sunsets. This report examines the mechanics of this time change and its effects, both in Italy and globally.0