Kiel, March 5, 2025 – A recent study from the Kiel Pain Clinic shows that the switch to summer time in spring is associated with a significant increase in migraine attacks, while the return to standard time in autumn leads to a reduction in the frequency of headaches.

The study analyzed the migraine histories of 258 patients with episodic or chronic migraine in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The results show that the frequency of migraine attacks increases by 6.4% one week after the spring time change. In contrast, in autumn, the frequency of migraines decreased by 5.5% one week after the return to standard time. Particularly striking was the increase in migraine attacks on Mondays following the spring time change and the decrease on Sundays following the autumn change.

The researchers attribute these effects to a disruption in the synchronization of the biological rhythm. "Our results suggest that the switch to summer time delays the adjustment of the internal clock, while the return to standard time in autumn restores synchronization with natural light conditions," explains Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel. "This disruption of the biological rhythm can have serious consequences for the well-being of people with migraines."

Since migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders and has significant health and societal impacts, the study results underscore the importance of the current debate about a possible abolition of daylight saving time. "Our research provides new arguments for a stable time system in order to minimize the health burdens caused by the time change," emphasizes Prof. Göbel.

Source:

The full study was published on March 5, 2025 in the journal Neurology International and is available at the following URL:

https://www.mdpi.com/2035-8377/17/3/40

Göbel, Carl H., Katja Heinze-Kuhn, Axel Heinze, Anna Cirkel, and Hartmut Göbel. 2025. “The Impact of Biseasonal Time Changes on Migraine” Neurology International 17, no. 3: 40