An hour closer to depression, Lebanon returns to winter time

A pointless decision, 28 years old

Since 1998, Lebanon has changed its clocks twice a year to make better use of daylight and save energy. Twenty-eight years later, we still follow this routine, despite doubts over the savings and little serious review.

Setting our lives to business hour

Flight schedules and international markets are used to justify changing the clocks. Business interests take priority, while people’s needs receive little attention—as though an entire country must adjust its life to corporate schedules.

Darkness gets home before us

We spend most of the day working, hoping to catch some sunlight afterwards. With winter time, darkness falls an hour earlier, leaving less daylight to lift our mood and ease seasonal depression. In Lebanon, our mental health is already under enough strain.