On the last Sunday of October in the UK, the clocks go back by one hour. It may feel like a long time since we saw the blue skies of summer in Salford and some may think it is already over, but the moment when the clocks go back marks the actual end of British Summer Time (BST). Good news: it also means an extra hour in bed. As the days grow shorter and the leaves start to fall, the United Kingdom, along with many other countries, prepares for an annual ritual: the changing of the clocks. This much-anticipated event happens in October when the clocks "fall back" by one hour, giving us an extra hour of sleep and marking the end of British Summer Time (BST). Most clocks now set themselves without need for adjustment but there are still those of us out there who have an old video recorder (BetaMax was far superior) knocking about that may need some adjustment (good luck finding the instruction manual). Other items may be effected such as boiler controls, alarms and even some older car stereos. Our office phone has been reading an hour behind since the clocks went forward as no one knows how to change it. But why on earth does this odd time change occur, and what is its significance? Let's explore the reasons behind this biannual adjustment. A Brief History: The practice of changing the clocks in the UK can be traced back to the early 20th century and the Germans. The concept of Daylight Saving Time (DST) was introduced in the UK during World War I to make better use of daylight hours and conserve energy. While the idea of DST is to align our schedules more closely with natural light, it can be seen as an attempt to maximize productivity and reduce energy consumption, especially during wartime. The End of BST: The clocks "fall back" at 2:00 AM on the last Sunday in October which this year lands on the 29th, marking the end of British Summer Time (BST). BST begins on the last Sunday in March when the clocks "spring forward" by one hour. The idea behind this adjustment is to make better use of available daylight hours, especially during the summer months when evenings are longer and warmer. By moving the clocks forward in spring, people can enjoy more daylight in the evening. Adjusting to Seasonal Changes: The primary reason for turning back the clocks in October is to align our schedules with the changing seasons. As autumn progresses, the days become shorter, and darkness falls earlier in the evening. Without the adjustment, this shift in daylight hours could disrupt daily routines and result in more energy consumption as people rely on artificial lighting and heating during the dark evenings. The Benefits of the Clock Change: One of the notable benefits of this time change is energy conservation. With the clock going back in October, people rely less on artificial lighting and heating, which can ultimately lead to energy savings. Additionally, the extra hour of sleep following the time change is welcomed by many. The Health Considerations: While the time change is generally well-received, it can also have some health implications. Some studies suggest that the disruption to our circadian rhythms caused by changing the clocks may have short-term health effects, including an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. To mitigate these effects, experts recommend adjusting to the time change gradually by going to bed and waking up slightly earlier in the days leading up to the clock change. Each year there are the usual calls to abolish the change but if I am being honest, it has become somewhat of a looked forward to event for most and so I am all for keeping it. I want my extra hour in bed on Sunday and no campaign will ever stop that happening. When do the clocks go forward again? In 2024 the clocks will go forward again by an hour on Sunday March 3 as we once more return to British Summer Time and at least two good weeks of decent weather.
