It’s that time of the year again in the UK when clocks go forward by an hour, marking the start of British Summer Time. This year, the clocks will change at 1 am on Sunday, March 28th. The transition heralds the arrival of longer days, warmer weather, and the promise of summer ahead.
The concept of changing the clocks twice a year dates back to World War I when countries across Europe introduced daylight saving time to conserve coal during the war. The UK first adopted daylight saving time in 1916 with the passing of the Summer Time Act. The Act ensured that the clocks were set forward by an hour from May to October each year.
In the UK, the idea of daylight saving time has always been controversial, with many people criticizing it for being unnecessary and causing confusion. However, supporters of the concept point out the numerous advantages of having an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Longer daylight hours mean more time for outdoor activities, increased opportunities for exercise, and reduced energy consumption due to less reliance on artificial lighting. Here in Scotland, we have almost continual night during winter and continual daylight during the summer.
While the change may seem like a small one-hour difference, it can have a significant impact on our bodies’ internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Many people may find it difficult to adjust to the new schedule, experiencing fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. It can take several days or even weeks for our bodies to adapt to the new routine.
However, there are some simple steps that we can all take to make the transition smoother. Experts suggest that gradually adjusting your sleep patterns by going to bed and waking up 15-20 minutes earlier each day can help your body acclimatize to the new schedule. It’s also essential to ensure that you get enough natural light exposure during the day, especially in the early morning.
So, remember to set your clocks forward by an hour this weekend and make the most of the extra daylight.
