The State Duma proposed shifting work schedules in winter due to the darkness.

      October 20, 2025, 17:16

      Society

      In the State Duma, it was proposed to change the winter work schedule due to a lack of daylight. Deputies from the New People party believe this will help people better cope with the difficulties associated with getting up early and returning late from work in the dark. State Duma Deputy Speaker Vladislav Davankov noted that in the northern and Far Eastern regions, Moscow and St. Petersburg the start of the working day could be shifted by one hour so that people can spend more time in the light.

      However, according to physician Andrey Kondrakhin, the problem is not only the lack of daylight but also the disruption of the body's natural biological rhythms. Sunlight promotes the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps a person wake up and feel alert. In darkness, the body produces melatonin, the sleep hormone. This leads to people waking up with difficulty, disrupting their physiological cycle.

      Kondrakhin told 360.ru that getting up later in winter does not help the body adapt to new conditions. If a person is used to getting up at 6:30–7:00 in the summer, they will wake at the same time in winter, even if the work schedule is shifted. This can lead to reduced productivity and worsened well‑being.

      To solve the problem, the doctor suggested using special lamps that imitate sunlight. They can help improve sleep quality and cortisol production. However, switching the clocks from winter to summer time is not effective, as the body adapts to a schedule over six months.

      In addition, Kondrakhin stressed the harm of night shifts to human health. Working in the dark hours disrupts natural biological rhythms, which can lead to the development of hypertension, heart attacks and strokes. At night the body produces melatonin, while a person who is working must continue to produce cortisol, which leads to chronic fatigue syndrome.

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