As October nears its end, the daylight hours are decreasing, signaling the imminent arrival of winter. This weekend brings the adjustment of setting the clocks back by an hour, marking the conclusion of British Summer Time.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the annual clock change takes place on the last Sunday of October. This year, the UK will set the clocks back on October 26 at 2am. While many will appreciate gaining an extra hour of sleep, this shift can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm.
Dr. Bhavini Shah, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, emphasizes the importance of sleep for overall health, affecting heart health, mental well-being, immunity, reproductive health, and hormonal balance. Changes in daylight hours can disturb sleep patterns and potentially impact health negatively.
To counteract potential sleep disruptions, Dr. Shah suggests taking proactive measures. She recommends going for a morning walk on the 27th to leverage natural sunlight in recalibrating the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Exposure to daylight assists in regulating wake-up times in the morning.
Advice from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust advocates increasing daylight exposure during the day, especially in the morning, and incorporating rest periods in the evening to support a healthy circadian rhythm.
For individuals experiencing ongoing sleep difficulties, the NHS website offers guidance on managing insomnia, outlining helpful strategies for achieving better sleep quality.
Remember to consult your GP for any health concerns.
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