About time: Daylight Saving Time transition and individual well-being

•We estimate the influence of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on individual well-being.•We use data from the German Socioeconomic Panel Survey and estimate fixed effects models.•We find that self reported life satisfaction deteriorates after the transition to DST.•The influence of DST is more important for those in full employment.

Daylight Saving Time is controversial due to its alleged negative impact on individual well-being. Using panel data from Germany we find evidence that the transition to summer time has negative influence on general life satisfaction and mood, which is stronger for those in full time employment.