Arne Lowden is one of several researchers in science who have warned that a abolished time change would be replaced by permanent summer time.
He calls it an untried experiment that can hit extra hard against a country like Sweden where about half of the citizens feel bad during the dark season.
The great danger lies in the fact that the morning light is pushed forward for an hour.
- It is the morning light that makes us adapt to the sunny day.
If we reduce the morning light, we get all the more afternoon light.
The rhythm is delayed and we find it harder to go to bed on time, says Arne Lowden.
There are studies that support the image that a later sunset can also affect health.
In studies in Europe and of time zones in the USA, it has been noted that major problems with, for example, obesity and heart problems in the areas where the sun goes down later in the evening.
- It is interesting to note that those who live further west in the time zone report more problems.
One explanation may be that they get a later light on in the morning, says Arne Lowden.
Important with research
At the same time, according to Arne Lowden, there are also great advantages to summer time in the summer in Sweden.
For example, physical activity becomes higher when it is light later in the evening.
According to Tomas Eneroth (S), who is Minister of Infrastructure, the issue is not relevant at present.
Since a decision in principle was made to remove the time change at the European Commission and in the European Parliament a couple of years ago, the issue has been frozen.
- I think based on the debate we have had in Sweden that many would appreciate removing the time change and leaning towards summer time, but that is probably why it is important that we both research it properly and gain knowledge about what health effects it has, says Thomas Eneroth.