Understanding Morocco's Return to Greenwich Mean Time

On Sunday, Morocco officially transitioned back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), a shift that, according to medical experts, should not necessitate significant adjustments for the majority of healthy individuals. Dr. Taib Hamdi, a physician and health policy researcher, stated that the biological impact of this one-hour shift is minimal and bears little difference from previous clock changes, particularly considering that Morocco has operated on GMT+1 for an extended period. Interestingly, this change is not entirely new to residents, as Morocco has temporarily reverted to GMT during Ramadan in recent years, allowing for a smoother adaptation to the current adjustment.

Dr. Hamdi emphasized the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between legal time, educational and work schedules, and the natural light cycle. The body's circadian rhythm, which governs sleep, hormone regulation, body temperature, appetite, concentration, and mood, is significantly influenced by morning light. For those especially sensitive to changes in their sleep patterns, he recommended a gradual adjustment by shifting bedtime and waking time by 15 to 20 minutes each day over a span of two to three days, along with realigning meal and activity schedules accordingly.

Moreover, maintaining consistent sleep hours, seeking natural light exposure in the morning, and minimizing bright light and screen time during the night can aid in this transition. Dr. Hamdi cautioned against overestimating the health benefits of GMT, stressing the absence of extensive studies in Morocco that could substantiate claims linking the time change to a decrease in specific health issues.

Health Perspectives on the Time Change

General practitioner Lahnach Charaf described the return to GMT as a beneficial choice for public health, advocating for a gradual adjustment of daily routines, particularly regarding meal timing and sleep schedules. He suggested having dinner earlier when possible to facilitate an appropriate bedtime but reassured that no extraordinary medical interventions are necessary for a smooth transition. Dr. Hamdi further noted that for most healthy adults, reverting the clock by one hour is generally more manageable than advancing it, indicating that this shift may indeed be a straightforward adjustment for many.

As reported by en.hespress.com.