Introduced by former Minister Albayrak: "Permanent daylight saving time should be ended"

The problems caused by the permanent daylight saving time practice, which was brought to the agenda and permanently implemented during the time of former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak, continue to have an impact.

Prof. Dr. Doğan Kökdemir, in an article he wrote for BirGün, stated that the permanent daylight saving time practice should be ended and conveyed the following:

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

"The concept of the circadian rhythm, which is our body's internal clock, is of central importance for understanding the interaction between our health and our environment. These rhythms, which operate in a roughly 24-hour cycle, are not just about sleep; they affect a wide variety of physiological processes, including hormone secretion, body temperature, and even the effectiveness of our immune system. In modern urban life, dominated by artificial lighting and irregular schedules, our circadian rhythms can easily become misaligned, which can lead to a range of health problems.

Light, especially sunlight, is the primary external cue that helps synchronize these rhythms. Light in the early morning signals our body to wake up, increasing alertness and resetting our internal clock for the day. This synchronization is crucial for maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle, which is fundamental to health. Disruption of these rhythms is linked to various health issues such as sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, and depression.

NATURAL LIGHT IS VITAL

In essence, our exposure to natural light, especially in the mornings, plays a vital role in ensuring our internal clock functions correctly. This is not just about getting enough sleep; it is about ensuring our entire biological system works in harmony with the natural world.

EVOLUTIONARY RHYTHM

In an age dominated by artificial light, rearranging our schedules according to sunrise is more than a romantic idea; it is a health necessity. This synchronization has profound effects on our sleep-wake cycle. Waking up with the sunrise helps reset our internal clocks every morning, promoting healthier sleep patterns and ensuring our body functions at its best. This harmony also enhances our mental agility and prepares us for the cognitive demands of the day. By rising with the sun, we capture the evolutionary rhythm that has governed human life for thousands of years and which modern lifestyles are increasingly disrupting.

"FEELING WORTHLESS AND GUILTY"

It is possible to think of morning sun as a natural elixir for both the mind and body. Of course, we are not talking about creating a miracle, but psychologically, it seems to have a significant role in combating emotional problems and improving overall psychological health. For example, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changes in the seasons. It typically starts and ends at about the same time each year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that start in the fall and continue through the winter months, draining their energy and making them feel gloomy. Less commonly, SAD can cause depression in the spring or early summer (during seasonal changes). Symptoms of SAD can include feeling depressed for most of the day nearly every day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy, having sleep problems, experiencing changes in your appetite or weight, feeling sluggish or agitated, having difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty, or having frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

"A CONTROVERSIAL PRACTICE"

While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, it is believed to be associated with the decrease in sunlight during the fall and winter months; this can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects our psychological state. In addition, seasonal changes can disrupt the balance of melatonin levels, which play a role in the body's sleep patterns and mood. Exposure to natural morning light has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, especially in SAD. It can also contribute to a more productive and satisfying day by improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reaction time. The physical benefits are equally impressive. In addition to helping with Vitamin D synthesis, morning sunlight helps regulate our biological clock, affecting critical processes such as metabolism, hormone secretion, and even immune response. This holistic effect underscores why aligning our activities with natural light patterns is not just beneficial but necessary for our well-being.

"SOCIAL BENEFITS ARE IMPORTANT"

Daylight Saving Time, which has been made permanent in Turkey, although initially implemented to save energy, has become a subject of intense debate today in terms of its effects on health. Critics emphasize that time changes disrupt our natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disorders and a reduction in valuable morning sunlight. These changes can have far-reaching effects that impair psychological state, cognitive abilities, metabolic health, and overall life satisfaction. The social benefits of aligning wake-up times with natural daylight are significant. Increased exposure to morning sunlight can lead to increased workplace productivity. At an environmental level, this alignment can also lead to energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions by reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

PROPOSAL TO END

Integrating more natural light into our daily routines is an achievable goal with tremendous benefits. For individuals, this could mean simple lifestyle adjustments such as waking up earlier to enjoy the morning sun or incorporating outdoor activities into their morning routines. Inside homes and workplaces, maximizing exposure to natural light through the strategic placement of windows and mirrors can significantly affect our daily light intake. Schools and businesses can also play a role by making their schedules more compatible with daylight hours; this can increase the focus and productivity of students and employees. These changes, while seemingly small, can have a significant impact on public health by reducing the prevalence of sleep disorders and improving overall quality of life.

The first thing to do for all these beneficial effects would be to end the permanent daylight saving time practice.

News Source: 12punto