Hungarian Sleep Association warns of health risks from daylight saving time changes

The Hungarian Sleep Association has issued a warning regarding the systemic impact of biannual clock changes on public health. György Németh, president of the association, stated that the issue extends far beyond the superficial debate of gaining or losing an hour.

Experts highlight that the primary risk occurs in the weeks following the transition to winter time, as the sudden onset of afternoon darkness can exacerbate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. This circadian shock affects the human biological clock, which may take weeks to adjust. The warning follows a five-year study by the Association and Synapsis Health Research, which indicated a systemic decline in sleep quality across Hungary, noting that the collapse of macrostructural sleep quality is a critical concern.

To mitigate these effects, specialists recommend shifting bedtime and wake times 15 to 20 minutes later in the two to three days preceding the change. Following the transition, it is advised to seek natural light immediately upon waking and to strictly avoid high-lux and blue-light-emitting devices before sleep to prevent sleep fragmentation.