When will the clocks go back in 2024 and why will they change? | British News

As the days grow shorter and the nights darker, the clocks will go back one hour at 2 a.m. on October 27th.

This marks the end of summer in the UK.

There are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, but turning back the clocks ensures we have more sunlight in the morning.

And the day the clocks go back, we get an extra hour in bed.

After the summer solstice in June, the days gradually become shorter.

If we turn the clocks back an hour in October, we get more sunlight in the mornings, and if we turn them further in the spring, we get brighter evenings.

With the Summer Time Act of 1916, the policy began to set the clocks back in the fall and forward in the spring.

Edwardian builder William Willett, who was also the great-great-grandfather of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, suggested turning clocks forward in spring and back in winter so that people could spend more time outdoors during the day and save energy.

Willett wrote that he laid out the idea in a pamphlet called “The Waste of Daylight,” published in 1907.

Although the proposal was supported by Winston Churchill and examined by a parliamentary committee, nothing was done until the German army set clocks forward to save energy in the spring of 1916, during World War I.

The government later adopted this policy in 1916 as politicians hoped it would reduce demand for coal.

Willet died of influenza in 1915, a year before the Summer Time Act.

Experts have pointed out the possible health effects of the time change.

NHS GP partner and GP trainer at Opera Beds, Dr. Tim Mercer, said: “As the clocks go back and we move out of British Summer Time, it is important to understand how melatonin plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle.” “Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and its release is influenced by exposure to light.”

He further explained: “In the evening and in the dark, the pineal gland increases melatonin production, signaling the body that it is time to sleep.”

“Conversely, exposure to daylight suppresses melatonin production and keeps us more alert during the day.

“As darkness sets in earlier after the time change, the body may start producing melatonin earlier in the evening, which may make you feel sleepy earlier than usual. This shift can cause temporary disruptions to your sleep schedule as your body adjusts to the new schedule.

Ways to mitigate changes in sleep routine after the time change

According to Bristol Live, Dr. Mercer also offers six tips to mitigate the impact on our sleep routine.

Step-by-step adjustments: In advance of the time change, you could try changing your bedtime and wake-up time by 1015 minutes earlier each day. This gentle transition can help your body adjust to the new schedule, easing the shock to your system.

Morning light exposure: Getting some natural sunlight in the morning can help reset your internal clock. Light is one of the most powerful signals for regulating circadian rhythms. Therefore, spending time outdoors in the early daylight hours can help your body adapt more quickly. If the brighter mornings disrupt your sleep patterns, you should consider purchasing blackout blinds or a sleep mask.

Consistent sleep routine: Stick to a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier for you to adapt to the new time.

Limit stimulants: Avoid caffeine and electronic devices that emit blue light at least an hour before bed. These can affect melatonin production and make it difficult to fall asleep.

Activity levels: The start of fall and winter can mean that many people spend less time on outdoor activities and exercise. Regular physical activity in winter generally has a positive effect on sleep, even a brisk 15-minute walk can have a significant impact.

Sleep hygiene: It’s important to understand what environment promotes your sleep. This includes controlling lighting, temperature (the perfect bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C) and noise for a night of deep sleep. Typically, the darker, cooler and quieter you make your sleeping area, the better your chances of sleeping undisturbed.

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