BioClock Consortium presents position statement: End the clock changes
The BioClock Consortium has released an official position statement advocating for the abolition of the biannual clock changes and the adoption of a fixed, healthy time zone: natural time.
Our position: Choose natural time
On the night of Saturday, March 29 to Sunday, March 30, 2025, the clocks will move forward by one hour once again. This recurring change disrupts our biological clock and can negatively impact our health. The BioClock Consortium joins other scientific organizations in recommending a transition to natural time — the time zone that best aligns with the geographical position of the Netherlands: Western European Time.
Back in the political spotlight
Recently, this issue has resurfaced in the European Union. On March 18, 2025, our own Prof. Roelof Hut represented the BioClock Consortium at a hearing in Brussels to inform policymakers about the health risks of clock changes and the importance of adopting permanent natural time. With this position statement, we emphasize once again the urgent need to make this change for the benefit of public health.
Why is this important?
In our position statement, we emphasize that natural time:
- Best aligns with our biological clock
- Supports a healthier sleep-wake rhythm
- Reduces the risk of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
We also warn against the potential risks of adopting permanent daylight saving time, which would result in months of delayed sunrise during winter, making it harder for people to wake up on time.
Read our full position statement
For more info, you can also visit the following websites:
The BioClock Consortium is funded by the NWA-ORC programme of the Dutch Research Council (NWO; project number 1292.19.077).