Behind the Clock: Insights into Daylight Savings Time in the UK

The Daylight Savings Time in the UK has often been a confusing term among many of us. And, on that note, we are going to clear our minds and be ready for the story behind daylight savings time in the UK.

But, before that, let’s get to know a little about the concept of Daylight savings time UK. To simplify it:

On the last Sunday of March, the UK clocks go forward 1hr at 1 am. This period is called British Summer Time (BST). You can see more daylight in the evening than daytime (a.k.a DST).

On last Sunday, the UK clocks go back 1hr at 2 am (GMT).

When do the clocks change?

2024 – Clock go forward (31 March) and Clock go back (27 October)

2025 – Clock go forward (30 March) and Clock go back (26 October)

2026 – Clock go forward (29 March) and Clock go back (25 October)

Does the UK follow DST?

Daylight Savings is the practice of moving the clock forward during warmer months to get more daylight in the evening time. It happens in the United Kingdom during the spring to autumn season. It’s for the purpose of getting more daylight in the Northern Hemisphere in the summer months.

History of Daylight Savings Time

1908– First used in Canada where the residents of Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) changed their clock forward by one hour to start the first DST period in the world.

1916 – It was popularized by the Germans and turned ahead by one hour into two years into WWI. Few weeks later, it was followed by France, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

1895 – Two New Zealand scientist George Vernon Hudson and British builder William Willett invented DST.

What was the significance of Daylight Savings time in ww1?

It became widespread during World War I and II for energy conservation.

In America, when the Standard Time Act was signed into law, it became official on March 19, 1918. It allowed for more daylight hours to be added into the day to help save energy costs during wartime.

When did the implementation of DST happen in the UK?

The UK adopted daylight savings time as did the other nations involved in WWI (1914-1918). The motive behind Willett’s proposal is for people to enjoy more sunlight and it can be a good use of extra hours of sunlight to work for farmers into the evening during harvest seasons.

There were a lot of controversies on this subject, and it became such a decisive issue because it has been argued to cause damaging effects on health and likewise the economy. It does not only make one tired, but sprouts the feeling of getting jet lag, and that’s not it, it caused $434 million in the US alone.

During a poll taken in the UK, almost 53% of the residents support moving the clocks forward an hour permanently.

How Daylight Savings Time Work?

It works on the mechanism of DST where they move the clock forward in spring to experience more natural sunlight and then backward in autumn.

Impact on daylight hours and daily routines

Disruption in Homeostasis

The human body is designed to thrive on routine and rhythm to have a consistent function. When this is disrupted, it affects the over physical and mental life of a person. One hour of DST may seem like nothing, but it disrupts the rhythmic flow of the human body.

Sleep Disruption

It works on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, if there’s a change in the time of sleep, this has a major effect and hampers the overall human body and mind.

Hormone Disruption

When the circadian rhythm is disputed, it can have an ill effect on your mood, sleep, and hunger and can cause pain and discomfort physically and mentally to the human body.

Benefits of Daylight Savings Time

• More daylight
• Increase in vitamin D
• Increase in productivity
• Few traffic accidents
• Save energy
• Increased daylight hours in the evening
• Potential economic advantages

Challenges and Criticisms

There are many challenges and criticisms on this topic as it comes with its pros and cons. Nevertheless, the most common among them are related to health issues, disruption in sleep patterns and negative effects on health.

The challenges faced by industries are the disturbances that can lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and a higher risk of accidents at work.

Public Opinion and Debate

The DST has always been a topic of debate among the public, policymakers and others.

As far as the public is concerned, there are strong opinions from both sides, the proponents and opponents. While the former supports longer daylight for saving energy and having more time for day activities. While the latter is against DST for disturbance in health-related issues.

The policymakers who are in favour of DST look at the economic side of things as the increase in consumer spending is more due to daylight saving and energy saving! As for the ones who are not in favour of the same, they are worried about the negative effects on the public.

There have been recent debates or proposals for changing or abolishing DST in the UK, but that will be another big decision that will need many long years of discussion and weighing out the pros and cons of DST.

Three Tips for Adapting to Daylight Savings Time

Stick to your sleeping schedule

The DST is an hour of shift and can make a lot of difference in your REM cycle, yet make sure you get those 7-8 hours of sleep. The day will be short but work your way around the time you will need to wake up and set your bedtime accordingly!

Get enough sunlight

Take advantage of this and get the best of daylight in the UK as light wakes the serotonin in the brain which gives humans a good sleep.

Eat early

This is a general thumb rule for healthy living, try to eat for a few hours before you get to sleep. This is normal practice, and especially with DST, you should religiously follow this rule without a doubt.

Conclusion

DST comes as a blessing in one way or the other, but it can also have a detrimental effect on public health. So, with many discussions, views, opinions and debates, the public will have to support the positive impact it has on overall beings.

When daylight savings happen, it’s important to understand and adapt to daylight savings time for a smoother transition.