How Does The Clock Change Affect Your Body?

Twice a year, we participate in a ritual that affects not only our clocks but also our bodies. Daylight Savings Time (DST) has been a part of our lives for decades, but have you ever wondered how it impacts your sleep and overall well-being? If you’re curious about the effects of the clock change, this blog post is here to shed light on the subject. We’ll delve into the history of DST, how it influences your internal clock, and what you can do to minimise its impact on your sleep.

The History of Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time has a rich history dating back to World War I when it was first introduced to conserve energy. The idea was to shift our clocks forward during the summer months to make better use of natural daylight. This practice was later revived during World War II and eventually became a regular occurrence in many countries, including the UK.

How Daylight Savings Time Affects Your Body

Disrupted Circadian Rhythms: Our bodies have an internal clock that governs our sleep-wake cycle. When the clock changes, our internal rhythms can be thrown off, leading to sleep disturbances.

Reduced Sleep Duration: Moving the clocks forward can result in losing an hour of precious sleep. This hour may not seem significant, but it can impact your overall energy levels.

Impact on Productivity: The effects of the clock change can linger for a few days, leading to reduced productivity, increased accidents, and even more serious health issues.

Social Jetlag: Our bodies take time to adjust to the new schedule, leading to what researchers call ‘social jetlag’. This misalignment with our natural rhythms can lead to sleep problems.

How to Minimise the Impact on Your Sleep

Gradual Adjustments: A few days before the clock change, try going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day. This gradual shift can make the transition smoother.

Exposure to Natural Light: Spend time outdoors during the day, especially in the morning. Natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: In the days following the clock change, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can disrupt your sleep.

Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet.

Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep more easily, even during the clock change.

If your sleep problems persist past the timing of the clock change, you may want to consider CBT for insomnia (CBT-I), a therapy that addresses the root causes of sleep problems. CBT-I is a highly effective and non-drug treatment for insomnia. It helps change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to sleep. Sleepio is a CBT-I treatment that works with you to develop a personalised insomnia treatment plan, empowering you to challenge negative thought patterns, establish healthy sleep habits, and enjoy restful nights of sleep.

In summary, Daylight Savings Time has a fascinating history, but it can also impact our bodies, particularly our sleep patterns. As the clocks change, it’s essential to be mindful of these effects and take steps to minimise their impact. Gradual adjustments, exposure to natural light, and maintaining a healthy sleep environment are all strategies to help you adapt more smoothly. By understanding how the clock change affects your body and taking proactive steps, you can navigate DST with minimal disruption to your sleep and overall well-being.