Almost 1-in-3 Germans unhappy about putting clocks forward

Just under a third of people in Germany feel that the changeover to summer time is having a negative impact on their health, reported dpa, quoting a new survey.

According to a representative Forsa survey commissioned by the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit, 30% of Germans suffer from the change from winter to summer time. This is five percentage points more than in the previous year and the highest figure in the past 10 years, according to DAK.

The problems appear more severe for women, with 39% of female respondents saying they feel particularly affected - an increase of nine percentage points compared to the previous year. The figure for men is 20%.

In addition, 74% of all respondents stated that they thought the time change was unnecessary and would abolish it. In contrast, 23% consider the regular time change to be useful.

This Sunday, clocks in Germany will be set forward from 2 am to 3 am. From then on, daylight saving time will apply again.

Across all age groups, 79% of those who have experienced problems due to the time change said it made them tired and listless, while 63% complained of problems falling asleep and sleep disorders.

Other frequently mentioned complaints were difficulty concentrating (39%) and irritability (32%). In addition, 10% of respondents reported depressive moods. Almost a fifth of those in employment (19%) stated that they did not get to work on time due to the time change.

Forsa surveyed 1,000 people aged 14 and over across Germany between March 1 and 5, 2024.