By Shahabuddin Amerudin
The concept of time zones plays a crucial role in our modern life as it enables us to synchronize schedules across different regions of the world. However, there has been an ongoing debate on whether time zone differences have positive or negative impacts on human life, particularly on sleep patterns. Malaysia follows the GMT+8 time zone, which is one hour ahead of neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand. Although this difference may appear insignificant, it can significantly affect daily life, particularly sleep patterns.
Opponents of the GMT+8 time zone in Malaysia argue that it can adversely affect human life as studies have demonstrated that people living in regions with a time zone difference of more than one hour are more susceptible to sleep disruptions and insomnia. This is due to the disruption of the body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep patterns, by sudden changes in the time of day. Malaysia experiences earlier sunrises than neighboring countries such as Thailand, resulting in people waking up earlier than preferred. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which is linked to numerous health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
However, proponents of the GMT+8 time zone in Malaysia argue that it is beneficial as the one-hour difference allows the country to be better aligned with major business hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. This has positive economic implications as it makes it easier for Malaysians to conduct business with other countries in the region, driving economic growth and development.
Malaysia’s time zone changed on January 1, 1982, when the country transitioned from GMT+7:30 to GMT+8 to align with its neighbors and major economic centers in the region. Although it is difficult to determine the impact of the time zone change on human health, there is evidence to suggest that it may have contributed to the rise of sleep-related health problems in Malaysia. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine revealed that people living in regions with a time zone difference of more than one hour were more likely to experience insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
Apart from the time zone difference, long work hours and high levels of stress may also contribute to sleep-related health problems in Malaysia. Despite these concerns, the GMT+8 time zone in Malaysia has had positive effects by aligning the country with major economic centers in the region, facilitating business and trade, and contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the impact of time zone differences on human life is a complex issue, with both positive and negative effects. While the GMT+8 time zone in Malaysia has had some negative impacts on sleep patterns and health, it has also had positive economic implications. As such, policymakers must carefully consider the trade-offs involved when making decisions about time zone changes. However, further research is needed to better understand the relationship between time zone differences and health outcomes in Malaysia. It is recommended that policymakers and researchers conduct more detailed studies to determine if the increase in sleep-related health problems in peninsular Malaysia is related to the GMT+8 time zone difference, or if other factors such as long work hours and high levels of stress are contributing to this phenomenon. By understanding the underlying causes of these health problems, policymakers can take more targeted actions to improve the health and well-being of Malaysians.
Suggestion for Citation: Amerudin, S. (2023). The Impact of Time Zone Differences on Sleep Patterns and Human Life: A Case Study of Malaysia. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=6117 (Accessed: 22 March 2023).
