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Italy transitions to winter time as daylight savings ends
In the night between Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, Italy and much of Europe will transition from daylight savings time to winter time (standard time). Clocks will be set back one hour at 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM, providing an extra hour of sleep but resulting in earlier sunsets and darker afternoons.
Economic data from Terna indicates that the daylight savings period in 2026 saved approximately 300 million kWh of electricity, equivalent to the annual needs of about 115,000 families, with an economic value exceeding 90 million euros. This period also reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 140,000 tons. However, the energy-saving benefits of daylight savings have decreased by roughly 50% over the last two decades due to the widespread use of efficient LED lighting.
Medical experts warn of a “social jet lag” caused by the shift, which can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect sleep, mood, and concentration. Pediatricians suggest a gradual adjustment period of about a week to help children synchronize their biological clocks. The debate regarding the permanent abolition of seasonal time changes continues within the European Union, following a 2019 European Parliament vote that has yet to reach a final consensus in the Council.
Entities
ARERA · Chamber of Deputies · Council of the European Union · European Parliament · European Union · Italo Farnetani · Italy · Manuela Michelazzi · Romania · San Raffaele Hospital · Terna