The transition to British Summer Time (BST) is just around the corner, bringing a timely shift in our daily routines. At 1:00 AM on Sunday, March 30, 2025, clocks across the UK will spring forward by one hour, marking the start of longer evenings. This change means that the clock will become 2:00 AM in an instant, which can feel a bit jarring, especially for those looking forward to a lazy Sunday lie-in. However, the upside is that sunset in London will move from approximately 6:29 PM on Saturday to 7:30 PM on Sunday, giving those longer daylight hours for various evening activities.
This clock adjustment follows the most recent shift back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) that took place on October 27, 2024. There are many who appreciate the extended daylight offered by BST, as it allows for enjoyable after-work strolls or the opportunity to engage in outdoor sports without the oppressive darkness of early evenings.
Daylight saving time (DST), which is the concept behind BST, raises questions about its necessity in modern life. While the tradition is deeply rooted, with Germany originally introducing it during World War I back in 1916, attitudes towards the practice have evolved significantly. Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the concept of DST, although he only suggested an idea related to energy conservation, rather than the clock adjustments we know today. It was George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, who proposed the time change as a method to maximize evening daylight for bug hunting in 1895. Today, the scheduling of time changes is less of a novelty; however, it remains a topic of debate.
Though the change promises to add hour or so of light at the end of the day, critics argue that it can lead to negative health impacts, particularly with springtime shifts. Studies have linked the spring clock change to a rise in heart attacks and can disrupt people’s sleep, particularly affecting those who are already sleep-deprived. Casualties of the clock change include children and pets whose schedules are not as easily adjusted. Morning sunlight is crucial for regulating our internal clocks, and the darker mornings that result from these adjustments can hinder alertness and mood, especially for those prone to seasonal affective disorder.
Interestingly, the concept of daylight saving time is not universally adopted. Of the 195 countries globally, only about 70 observe it, and many of them are re-evaluating its relevance. Countries closer to the equator tend to skip it as daylight remains consistent throughout the year. Notably, nations such as Japan, India, and China do not engage in any clock-changing practices. Inside Australia, DST practices vary significantly by region, and Europe has recently faced significant discussions, with the European Parliament voting in 2019 to abolish the biannual clock changes. Despite consensus over its redundancy, implementation remains stalled.
As the UK gears up for the time change, residents can prepare for a smoother transition by gradually adjusting their sleep schedules in the days leading up to March 30. Experts suggest going to bed 15 minutes earlier over several days to help mitigate the shock of losing an hour’s worth of sleep. Additionally, seeking natural light early in the morning can assist in resetting body clocks and boosting morning alertness.
For those who wish to keep highly accurate time, certain devices may still require manual adjustment. Many smartphones, tablets, and cars today automatically update their clocks, but home appliances such as traditional wall clocks and ovens may need a manual dial twist. As Britain transitions to the longer bright evenings, the emphasis will remain on adjusting lifestyles to make the most of the altered ambiance.
Ultimately, while the benefits of longer evenings are alluring, they come at a small cost to health and routine. The shift to BST continues to be a point of contention, with supporters and critics on both sides weighing the pros and cons of the twice-yearly clock changes that have become embedded in our lives.
