Daylight Saving Time Could Be Fueling Britain’s Sleep Crisis, Say Experts

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the UK involves setting clocks forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in autumn with the purpose of making better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. However, with the clocks due to change again on 25th October, experts are suggesting that we need to reconsider this practice: it could be significantly contributing to our national sleep crisis. 

Sasha Brown, Mattress Expert and Buyer at Bed Store and Suzy Reading, Chartered member of the British Psychological Society and author of How to Be Selfish, have teamed up to explain why now is the perfect time to leave this practice behind for good. 

Sleep deprivation is a growing issue for many Brits, with studies indicating that nearly one in five adults report struggling to get enough rest. Britain’s struggle with sleep has developed into a public health crisis, which comes with an astonishing lifetime financial burden estimated at over £4.2 million for individuals facing severe consequences of poor sleep. The toll is staggering, with links to increased risks of serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes, all while the economic cost to the UK exceeds £50 billion annually due to lost productivity.

As we approach the clocks changing, we’re urging a reconsideration of this practice, suggesting it may significantly contribute to our national sleep crisis. Shifting our clocks disrupts our circadian rhythms, complicating the adaptation process for those already struggling with sleep. This adjustment can take days or even weeks, leading to increased fatigue and diminished productivity. “Changing the clocks can throw our bodies into disarray, making it difficult for many to adapt,” notes bedding expert Sasha. It’s time to ask ourselves: is this tradition worth the negative impact on our health and wellbeing?

Evidence supports the idea of maintaining a permanent time system, suggesting that the clock change significantly impacts traffic accidents, strokes and cardiac health. As sleep expert Suzy explains, “Global data on daylight savings time shows a 24% increase in heart attacks when we lose an hour of sleep, while gaining an hour results in a 21% reduction in heart attacks.” If we keep the clock consistent, we can avoid the upheaval that time changes impose on our circadian rhythms, positively influencing our mood, productivity and overall energy.

The psychological effects of sleep deprivation on productivity and well-being are considerable, especially when viewed through the lens of our current clock-changing practices. 

Suzy warns, “When we are sleep deprived, the effects can resemble those of being under the influence of alcohol; our reaction times, judgement, and decision-making abilities are impaired.” This impairment can lead to a host of issues, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating, which negatively impact our mood and the quality of our relationships. The consequences of poor sleep extend beyond individual experiences, affecting workplace dynamics and social interactions, ultimately creating a ripple effect throughout our communities.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that prioritising sleep is crucial for both our mental and physical health,” concludes Sasha. “A good night’s sleep could be the key to a healthier, happier life. So isn’t it time we put our sleep first as a nation?” Advocating for a permanent time system would be a fantastic first step toward easing the strain on our circadian rhythms, boosting our mood and productivity, and, in the long run, creating a healthier society. It’s time to wake up to the reality of our sleep crisis and take action for Britain’s national wellbeing.

Suzy’s Top Tips for Adjusting to Clock Changes and Better Sleep

While these experts are in favour of abolishing the clock change altogether to promote better sleep and well-being, the tradition remains for now. As we prepare for this seasonal adjustment, it’s crucial to focus on strategies that can help us manage the impact of the time shift: adopting effective techniques can ease into the new routine and minimise disruptions to our sleep patterns. Here are Suzy’s tips for smoothly transitioning to the new routine.

1. Gradually shift your bedtime and wake time by 15 minutes each day in the days leading up to the clock change.

2. Adjust meal times to support your new sleep routine.

3. Get a dose of morning daylight – aim for 20 minutes without sunglasses – to help regulate your circadian rhythms.

4. Minimise exposure to bright lights in the evening to promote sleepiness and establish a calming pre-bedtime wind-down routine.

6. After the clocks change, aim for consistency and be patient with yourself: it takes a few days to adjust to a new rhythm.

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