What shifting the clocks really changes

When Switzerland turns its clocks back on Sunday night, it’s not just sleep patterns that shift. Scientists have found that the biannual clock change influences everything from hospital admissions to judicial decisions. The measure, however, was never really about timekeeping to begin with. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The time change was embraced by Switzerland to save electricity. During the oil crisis in the 1970s, many countries were looking for ways to use energy more efficiently. By setting the clock one hour forward in summer, less artificial light would be needed in the evening. The idea was that this would reduce electricity consumption and reduce dependence on expensive energy imports. Controversial electricity savings However, there is controversy among scientists as to whether the time change really saves electricity. An analysis by the US Department of Energy concluded back in 2008 that the savings were "hardly statistically verifiable".