As we enter autumn and winter, it’s the time of year that the clocks go back. This means the days will get shorter and the evenings will get dark earlier.
Twice a year, the clocks change to reflect the changing of the seasons. While the clocks go forward at the start of summer, they go back at the start of winter, taking our clocks from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
But when do the clocks go back in the UK? Do we have to do anything for it? And most importantly, how do we still get a good night’s sleep after the clocks change? Keep reading for all the details…
When do the clocks go back this year?
In the UK, the clocks will be going back on Sunday 27th October 2024 this year, according to GOV.UK. The clocks go back by 1 hour at 2am, so depending on your sleep cycle, you should be asleep during this time.
The clocks will be in GMT for months until they go forward again on Sunday 30th March 2025. Currently, the sun is setting between 6 and 7pm but after the clocks change, the sun will start to set between 4 and 5pm.
So, which clocks will you have to personally change? Lucky for you, smartphones and laptops will automatically update themselves but if you use an analogue clock, you’ll need to change it manually. Car and oven clocks will also need to be updated by you, too.
- Having trouble sleeping? Upgrade your sleep set-up with the best mattress
- Get your day off to the right start with the best alarm clocks
Do we lose or gain an hour of sleep?
When the clocks go back, we gain an extra hour. Many people will love this as it means you can get an extra hour in bed or a longer lie-in, which is great for those not getting enough sleep at night.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
While many of us are already looking forward to the clocks going back, an hour extra of sleep a night can affect your sleep schedule. The shorter days and darker mornings and evenings can also contribute to leaving you feeling tired, sluggish and many will experience signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder aka SAD.
It’s recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. However, there are extenuating circumstances to this, for example, if you’re aged 38+, you should be getting 7 hours of sleep, and studies have shown that 4.5 - 6.5 hours of sleep is best for brain function. So, to help you prepare for this extra hour on the 29th October, here’s how to ensure you get the best night’s sleep without disrupting your sleep cycle.
How to get the best sleep when the clocks go back
Firstly, adjust your bedtime in the lead-up to the clocks changing. While a lie-in on a Sunday sounds dreamy, the extra hour in bed can make you feel groggy and lead to you staying up later in the night and feeling tired when you have to get up the next day. Start by going to bed about 15-20 minutes earlier during the week that the clocks change, so it doesn’t feel too unusual when the clocks go back.
Next, stick to 8 hours of sleep or however much you need to feel your best when you wake up. Even an hour more or less makes a difference to your circadian rhythm and hormone production. Try to stick to the standard time you wake up in the morning, carry on your routine as normal and avoid napping in the afternoon to ensure success. It’s also a good idea to consume caffeine the same time you normally would as you could become more reliant on tea or coffee at an earlier time, which will disrupt your body’s cortisol levels. See what time you should stop drinking coffee for more details.
Finally, adapt your sleeping space to reflect the day. When the clocks go back, the mornings will become brighter earlier and the evenings will get darker quicker. To combat this, make your room dark to avoid unnecessary morning light. However, as the sun begins to rise, use a wake up light to get used to the brighter mornings. The best wake up lights gradually brighten your room so you wake up more naturally, perfect for the lighter starts to the day. For more sleep advice, check out how to avoid daylight savings jet lag.
Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, watches, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations! She's also in the know about the latest deals and discount codes from top brands and retailers.
Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!
-
Amazon could be making its own smart pillow to combat sleep apnea – but I’m not convinced
Amazon files a patent to make its very own smart pillow
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Dyson desk light tracks local daylight and reacts to your surroundings – but it’ll cost you
The Dyson Solarcycle Morph adds extra daylight to your routine
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
7 tips for keeping your home warm without turning the heating on, according to experts
Avoid turning on the heating while keeping your home warm with these expert-approved tips
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Protein Works expands its wellness lineup with two collagen-infused drinks
Both drinks are currently 10% off on the website
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
These Ozlo sleep earbuds have a built-in alarm and audio masking – but they’ll cost you
The brains behind Bose have debuted the most advanced sleep earbuds
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Philips Hue Twilight review: bright, colourful and pricey – but the app is what really shines
The Philips Hue Twilight adds smart controls to your bedside lamp – but can it actually help you wake up naturally?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
5 things you need to check before using an electric blanket, according to expert
Home safety expert reveals his tips on ensuring your electric blanket is safe to use
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Loop's new sleep-specific earplugs let you finally drown out your snoring partner
Suffering from poor-quality sleep? This latest launch might be the answer
By Lizzie Wilmot Published