A new study reveals that people who start their workday earlier are more likely to express discomfort with seasonal time changes. Conducted by researchers Jorge Mira Pérez from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and José María Martín Olalla from the University of Seville (US), the study analyzed responses from a 2018 European Commission public consultation, which gathered 4 million opinions across 28 member states. The findings were published in the journal Chronobiology International.
The research found that opposition to the current time change regulation was stronger in countries at higher latitudes. By comparing response rates with local work start times, the authors discovered that earlier work schedules correlated with higher dissatisfaction. “We treated the consultation as a natural experiment, focusing on how ‘no’ votes were distributed,” explained Jorge Mira.
Martín Olalla noted that the study used the gap between work start times and winter sunrise to assess light conditions. “Significant correlations only emerged when we considered this distance, not just work start times alone,” he said. The authors argue that the current time change system represents a compromise: early starters, who face greater discomfort, would be worse off with permanent summer time, while late starters would struggle more with permanent winter time.
“Nuance is key,” said Martín Olalla. “The results only make sense when viewing time changes as physiologically modulated.” Mira added, “This isn’t about time zones—it’s about how light exposure affects people differently based on their schedules.”
The study highlights the complex relationship between work schedules, natural light, and public opinion on time changes. It underscores the need for policies that balance diverse physiological needs, especially in regions with significant seasonal light variations. Future research could explore tailored time policies to accommodate these differences.
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