As the UK switches from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to British Summer Time (BST) we all must dutifully adjust our clocks, which allows us to enjoy more light in the evening. But the downside is we will technically lose an hour sleep this weekend. The clock change officially happens on Sunday, March 25 at 1am, which means you should put your clock forward an hour.
So be prepared to lose those precious 60 minutes this weekend.
In an attempt to make the switch sound cute, there's a helpful rhyme to help remember which way you should turn the clock. "Spring forward, fall back." Probably not so helpful when you're feeling groggy on a Sunday morning.
Internet-connected phones and devices are supposed to change automatically, but it would be wise to set your analog clocks and alarms before you head to bed.
It might take weeks for people to get back into their normal routines after losing that hour - even more so if you're already sleep deprived (that's for you with younger children).
Some studies have shown that the impact of losing an hour of sleep can also be more serious than just feeling a little tired.
Studies have shown that there is a slight increase in road traffic accidents in the days after the clocks go forward, as well as a slight increase when the clocks go back.
So if you’re someone who dreads the effects of losing an hour’s sleep, here are some suggestions that may help you with the change:
So be prepared to lose those precious 60 minutes this weekend.
In an attempt to make the switch sound cute, there's a helpful rhyme to help remember which way you should turn the clock. "Spring forward, fall back." Probably not so helpful when you're feeling groggy on a Sunday morning.
Internet-connected phones and devices are supposed to change automatically, but it would be wise to set your analog clocks and alarms before you head to bed.
It might take weeks for people to get back into their normal routines after losing that hour - even more so if you're already sleep deprived (that's for you with younger children).
Some studies have shown that the impact of losing an hour of sleep can also be more serious than just feeling a little tired.
Studies have shown that there is a slight increase in road traffic accidents in the days after the clocks go forward, as well as a slight increase when the clocks go back.
So if you’re someone who dreads the effects of losing an hour’s sleep, here are some suggestions that may help you with the change:
- Go to bed a little earlier, just by 10 minutes or so, on the days before the clocks move forward;
- Stay in bed and sleep for as long as normal on Sunday morning. And, with that in mind, make sure your bed is comfortable. It’s difficult to get deep sleep on a bed that’s too soft, too hard, too small or too old. If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s about to replace it.
- Keep the bedroom as dark as possible. Light suppresses the secretion of the sleep-inducing substance melatonin. It is important to expose yourself to the light during the waking hours as much as possible and, conversely, do not expose yourself to bright light when it is dark outside.
- Practise good sleep hygiene. And by this we mean, create a sleep-friendly environment that enhances your chances of falling asleep, staying asleep and sleeping well.
- Remember to change ALL your clocks before you go to bed. There’s nothing worse than waking up thinking its 9am when it’s really 10am.
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