Daylight saving time: why it is done and what effects it has on people.

With spring comes longer days and a change of time to take better advantage of the hours of sunshine. Or so we have always been told.

Daylight saving time is one of those things we all know about, but we don't always understand why it's really done or what effects it has on us. We've been doing some reading, and here we bring you a summary of what we've found out.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

First things first. Daylight saving time is when we set our clocks ahead one hour to make the most of natural daylight in the evenings. It starts in the spring and lasts until fall when we switch to winter time. Why? Because we want more sunlight in our lives. By adjusting our clocks, we make the most of the long hours of summer sunshine, allowing us to enjoy more outdoor activities and save energy in the process.

Why is daylight saving time, and what effects does it have on people?

1. Energy saving: One of the main reasons for implementing daylight saving time is energy savings. By having more hours of natural light during the afternoons, the need to use artificial lighting in our homes and offices is reduced. This means less energy consumed, perfect for the environment.

2. Increased activity: With more light during the evenings, people tend to be more active. After work or school. Whether it's taking a walk, riding a bike or just enjoying dinner outdoors, daylight savings time gives us those extra hours of fun and recreation. In our case we have more time to visit our orchard and see how the trees are doing. Guille's pearls.
3. Boost to the economy: Daylight saving time can also have a positive impact on the economy. With more daylight hours, stores, restaurants and other businesses can extend their customer service hours, which means more opportunities for people to get out and spend money.

What are the effects on people?

Now, let's talk about how this change affects our daily lives. At first, it may seem like just an hour less sleep or an extra hour of sunshine, but our bodies notice.

1. Change in sleep cycle: One of the most obvious effects of daylight saving time is the change in our sleep cycle. The one-hour advance can alter our sleep patterns, and it can take a while to adjust to the new routine. I get the same feeling as when you travel eastward and have jet lag. You feel tired and disoriented for the first 2 or 3 days.
2. Improvement in mood: As we approach summer and enjoy more hours of natural daylight, many people experience an improvement in their mood. Sunlight is known to increase the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone. This feeling is what we often tell you we want you to feel when you drink a nice glass of juice from our oranges.
3. Increased security: With longer days, also comes a greater sense of security. People tend to feel safer when there is still natural light. And, in addition, the sense of community increases, as more time is shared on the street with other people. And that's a proven fact here in Valencia.

Tips for Adapting to Daylight Saving Time

Want to make sure this time change doesn't affect you too much? You may not be on time for this year, but for the future, here are some useful tips:

1. Go gradually: If you can, start by adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before the official change. This way, your body will have time to adjust without feeling the sudden impact.
2. Stay active: Natural light is your best friend during Daylight Saving Time. Try to spend more time outdoors during the day to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
3. Take care of your rest: Be sure to follow a regular and relaxing sleep routine. Avoid caffeine and screen time before bedtime to help you fall asleep more easily. I'm also telling you, this advice goes for every day of the year.

In the end, it's a change that affects us all in one way or another, so, the next time you adjust your clocks, remember all the reasons we do it and just think about enjoying those longer, sunnier days.