Switching to winter time: why the time change is so criticized

France will switch to winter time on October 24-25, raising questions about the necessity of this practice. Initially introduced in 1916 to save energy, the biannual clock change has faced criticism and calls for abolition. A 2019 survey showed 83.74% of respondents favored ending the time change, citing negative experiences. The energy savings from this practice are modest, with studies indicating increased morning electricity use offsetting evening savings. Additionally, the impact on road safety remains unclear, with conflicting studies on accident rates. Health effects, such as increased heart attack risks and sleep disturbances, are also debated, with inconclusive evidence on overall health impacts.