UK clocks back one hour: What Is ‘Daylight Saving Time’?

London: As winter approaches, it’s that time again for the UK to turn back the clocks.

This Sunday, October 27, at 2 AM, clocks will “fall back” one hour, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The primary reason for this clock adjustment is to maximise daylight during the morning hours as the days get shorter after the summer solstice in June.

This means more sunlight in the morning, which many find uplifting, while also allowing for an extra hour in bed on the day of the change—definitely a win for sleep enthusiasts!

Moreover, in total, 70 countries worldwide observe clock changes, including New Zealand, Paraguay, all 27 EU nations, and the USA, although Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate.

Daylight Saving Time was introduced in the UK through the Summer Time Act of 1916. It was largely influenced by the ideas of William Willett, an Edwardian builder who believed in maximizing daylight hours to encourage outdoor activity and save energy.

Though Willett passed away before his proposal was adopted, the concept was embraced during World War I to reduce coal consumption.

Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin also proposed a similar idea back in 1784, suggesting that rising early with the sun could save on candle use.

Recently, the British Sleep Society (BSS) has called for the abolition of the twice-yearly clock changes. They argue that the switch to Daylight Saving Time negatively impacts sleep patterns and circadian health.

Experts emphasise the importance of natural morning light for aligning our body clocks, especially during the darker winter months.

Dr. Megan Crawford from the University of Strathclyde stated that the current system forces people to wake up and commute in the dark, which is less than ideal for overall well-being.

There is a growing discussion about whether the UK should maintain GMT year-round to enhance health and well-being.

While the government has no immediate plans to change the system, the debate continues as experts highlight the potential benefits of a more stable timekeeping approach.

So, as we prepare for the clocks to turn back, enjoy that extra hour of sleep and the crisp, bright mornings that come with the changing season!