Israel Prepares for Winter Time Transition: How the Body Adapts to Shorter Days

Israel will transition to winter time in the coming days, moving clocks one hour back. While the time change is immediate, the human body requires time to adjust to the new schedule, as shorter daylight hours impact sleep, energy levels, and mood.

The Impact on the Circadian Rhythm

According to clinical dietitian and NLP practitioner Veronika Meisler, the human body operates according to the circadian rhythm, which synchronizes sleep-wake cycles, appetite, metabolism, and hormone secretion.

"The time change briefly creates a gap between the clock on the screen and the time the body still 'feels', which is why for a few days we may feel tired or wake up earlier than usual, experiencing changes in concentration and hunger," Meisler explains.

Light plays a central role in this process. As darkness falls, the secretion of melatonin gradually increases, helping the body prepare for sleep. Simultaneously, daylight hours shrink from an average of nearly 14 hours in the summer to about 10 hours in the winter. This reduced exposure to daylight can manifest as drowsiness, decreased energy, and sometimes a shift in mood.

Five Tips for Smooth Adaptation

To ease the transition, health experts recommend several practical steps:

• Seek morning light: Go outside during daylight, especially in the morning, and reduce indoor lighting in the evening.

• Maintain a routine: Keep a consistent schedule for sleep, meals, and physical activity, and prepare light snacks in advance to avoid intense evening hunger.

• Stay active: Continue moving even as darkness arrives earlier. Daytime walks, regular workouts, or a short stroll after work contribute to alertness and better sleep.

• Advance bedtime: Use the early fatigue to establish a healthier sleep schedule by avoiding screens and bright lights late at night.

• Preserve social life: Maintain social activities and step outside during winter to combat drops in energy and motivation.