Norway switches to daylight saving time amid ongoing debate over permanent time change

Norway has switched to daylight saving time, losing an hour of sleep as clocks moved forward at 2 a.m. Sunday, Dagbladet reports. The change has reignited debate over whether the country should abandon the twice-yearly time shift, with politicians, researchers, and public figures divided on whether to keep permanent standard time or daylight saving time.

The European Union has repeatedly considered scrapping the practice, but progress has stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later the war in Ukraine. If approved, EU member states—including Norway—would have to choose between permanent standard time (winter time) or permanent daylight saving time.

Former Centre Party MP Jenny Klinge, who campaigned against time changes for 15 years, argues that standard time aligns better with natural human rhythms. “We’ve moved too far from what’s natural for us, and it harms our quality of life and health,” she told Dagbladet. She cited research linking time shifts to increased workplace accidents, health issues, and even heart attacks, particularly among “night owls” (B-people) who struggle with earlier mornings.

Sleep researcher Ståle Pallesen supports her stance, telling public broadcaster NRK that traffic accidents and heart attacks rise after the spring transition. He advocates for abolishing the system entirely.

Others, however, prefer daylight saving time year-round. Espen Nakstad, a former health official and prominent public voice, told Dagbladet he favors brighter evenings. “I like light summer nights and think we should keep daylight saving time permanently,” he said, adding that he barely notices the transition. Even Rødt (Red Party) politician Mimir Kristjánsson—often assumed to be a night owl—revealed he’s actually an “unrepentant A-person” (morning person) and has little trouble adjusting.

The EU first proposed ending the practice in 2018, with the European Parliament approving the plan in 2020. But the process stalled, and the European Council has yet to finalize a decision. Sweden, Finland, and Denmark still observe daylight saving time, while Russia and Iceland do not. Norway would likely follow the EU’s eventual decision.