When do the clocks go forward – and should daylight savings be scrapped?
When do the clocks go forward – and should daylight savings be scrapped?
This weekend marks the beginning of daylight saving time in the UK, as clocks will shift forward at 1am on Sunday, 29 March. The adjustment results in an hour of lost sleep for many, but it also brings longer evenings and shorter mornings.
The practice of advancing clocks in spring, often referred to as “spring forward,” has been in place for over a century. However, its continued relevance remains a subject of intense discussion. Some argue the benefits of extended daylight are outweighed by the disruption it causes, particularly to sleep patterns and mental health.
History of Daylight Saving
The concept of adjusting time with the seasons originated in the 1890s, when George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, proposed a system to extend evening sunlight for his insect studies. His idea gained traction later, with British inventor William Willett popularizing it in 1907 through a pamphlet titled *The Waste Of Daylight*. Willett suggested a gradual 80-minute shift in April and September, but his proposal never became law.
Germany became the first nation to implement daylight saving time in 1916 during World War I. The UK adopted the practice shortly after, aligning with the seasonal time change from GMT to British Summer Time (BST). This transition occurs annually, typically on a weekend, to minimize interference with daily routines.
Health Impacts of the Change
Research indicates that the shift to daylight saving time can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to sleep disturbances and mental fatigue. Sleep scientist Charlie Morley notes that the one-hour adjustment has “overwhelming” evidence of affecting both physical and psychological well-being.
“What research shows is what a massive effect on the body and mind, just one extra hour [of sleep] can have,” said Morley.
A study by the American Heart Foundation linked the time change to a 24% rise in heart attacks the day after clocks move forward. Conversely, the reverse adjustment in autumn showed a contrasting effect. Similarly, Finnish research found a 8% increase in stroke-related hospital admissions in the two days following the shift.
Experts explain that losing an hour of sleep can heighten activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. This increased responsiveness may lead to heightened irritability and stress, as noted by Morley: “If you lose an hour of sleep, you might see an increase in the amygdala response, making you more grumpy and tetchy.”
Should Daylight Saving Be Abandoned?
The debate over ending daylight saving time has resurfaced recently, with the British Sleep Society urging the UK government to abolish the twice-yearly clock changes. Researchers highlight that the practice negatively impacts circadian rhythms and sleep quality, suggesting a return to standard time year-round.
Currently, only about a third of global countries observe daylight saving. US President Donald Trump expressed support for scrapping it in 2024, calling the ritual “stupid.” His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, echoed this sentiment, criticizing the time adjustments as unnecessary.
While the practice persists, its health and social consequences continue to fuel questions about its necessity. As the clocks move forward this weekend, the conversation around its future remains as active as the changing seasons themselves.
