THE evenings are getting brighter, spring is in the air, and from today the clocks will go forward.
On the last Sunday of March, the country moves to British Summer Time (BST).
The change sees the clocks move forward an hour, meaning you lose an hour's sleep when 1am becomes 2am.
On the plus side, BST means more evening sunshine to enjoy during the spring and summer.
In the UK, the clocks change twice a year, so at the end of October, the UK will move back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Here's everything you need to know about the annual changes.
What time will the clocks change?
The clocks always go forward at 1am on the last Sunday of March.
So this year this will mean the change occurs early in the morning on March 30.
The change will simply see 1am become 2am.
Unfortunately this means that you'll lose an hour in bed – although you'll get it back again in October.
Initially the change to BST will mean less daylight in the morning and more in the evening.
But by the time of the longest day of the year, in June, Britain will be enjoying around 16 hours of sunshine a day.
What if I'm working on March 30?
The time change happens on a Sunday as it is thought to be less disruptive to businesses and schools.
However, there will be those who are working a night shift when the clocks change.
If you're working when the clocks change from 1am to 2am, your shift will be an hour shorter than it would have been, as long as your contract states set hours of working.
If your contract states the number of hours you should work in a shift, rather than specific times, you may be asked to work an extra hour.
However many employers will not ask you to work an extra hour, instead claiming the time back when the clocks go back again in October and workers may be required to fill in the extra time.
Employment lawyer Peninsula advises that contracted workers shouldn't see their pay rate changed because of the shorter shift.
Will I get paid for the lost hour?
If you're among those who work nights, whether you'll receive pay for an hour your didn't work typically depends on how you are paid.
If you're paid by the hour, you're unlikely to get paid for the hour that vanished between 1-2am.
However, if you are salaried or paid a day rate, you could find that your employer pay you the same amount as usual even though you put in a shorter shift.
Bear in mind if your contract says you have to work between certain hours and you are paid for hours worked, the employer doesn't have to pay for the extra hour when clocks go back in October.
Why do the clocks change?
A year after Willett's death, in 1916, Germany became the first country to adopt daylight saving time.
The UK did the same a few weeks later, along with other nations involved in the First World War.
British Double Summer Time was temporarily introduced during the Second World War, with clocks kept one hour in advance of Greenwich Mean Time to increase productivity.
Since the war, Britain has operated under British Summer Time except for between 1968 and 1971 when the clocks went forward but were not put back
Will my alarm update automatically?
If your alarm is set on an iPhone and you have the date and time setting toggled to ‘set automatically' your wake-up call will update automatically.
So, if the alarm is set to 8am, it will go off at the ‘new' 8am.
Most other smartphones will also update clocks and alarms automatically.
However, if you're using an old-school clock radio or an analogue alarm clock you will need to double check before you head to bed.
Do other countries change their clocks?
About 70 countries around the world change their clocks to maximise daylight hours.
Those countries who have some form of daylight saving include the US, much of Europe, and parts of South America and Australasia.
Many other countries closer to the equator, who experience longer hours of daylight year round, do not change clocks during the year.
Will we ever stop changing the clocks?
There have long been calls for Britain to remain on BST year round.
However, those opposing the move have highlighted the possible safety concerns of darker mornings, particularly in northern regions.
The European Parliament did vote to end the practice of changing clocks across the EU in 2019.
However, progress on this being introduced has stalled.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
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