ljusdimning

Ljusdimning, also known as daylight saving time (DST), is a practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. The concept originated in the early 20th century as a means to conserve energy, particularly during World War I when fuel shortages were a concern. The idea was popularized by Benjamin Franklin in a satirical essay in 1784, though he did not advocate for its practical implementation.

In Sweden, ljusdimning is observed by adjusting clocks forward by one hour in the last weekend of March and backward by one hour in the last weekend of October. This practice is intended to maximize daylight during the long summer evenings and reduce energy consumption by aligning daily routines with natural light. The term *ljusdimning* itself translates to "light evening" or "light dimming," reflecting the goal of extending daylight hours.

Criticism of ljusdimning has emerged over the years, particularly regarding its impact on health, productivity, and sleep patterns. Some studies suggest that the transition can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to short-term sleep disturbances. Additionally, the practice has been debated in terms of its actual energy-saving benefits, as modern lighting and heating systems may not rely as heavily on daylight as they did in the early 20th century.

Sweden initially adopted ljusdimning in 1980, and it has remained a part of the national calendar since then. While some European countries have phased out DST, Sweden continues to observe it, though there have been occasional discussions about reforming or abolishing the practice. The decision to maintain ljusdimning is often tied to cultural preferences for longer summer evenings and the tradition of aligning daily life with seasonal daylight variations.