British Summer Time (BST) is back in England, meaning the clocks are about to move forward by one hour. But when exactly will this change happen in the UK in 2025? And why do we shift time twice a year?
When will the clocks change in 2025?
In the UK, the clocks will spring forward on Sunday, March 30th, 2025 at 1am, meaning the official time will instantly become 2am.
What does this mean practically? Evening sunlight will last longer – London’s sunset will shift from around 6:29pm on Saturday to 7:30pm on Sunday.
Then, in a different direction, the clocks will fall back on October 27, 2024, giving us an extra hour in bed. However, on this occasion, that extra hour will not be granted.
British Summer Time will remain until Sunday, October 26th, 2025, when we will revert back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Most devices nowadays automatically adjust for daylight saving time, but you might need to manually change older clocks and appliances.
Will the clocks go forward in March or will they fall back?
In March, the clocks will move forward – we lose an hour of sleep but gain longer evenings.
In October, the clocks will fall back, giving us extra time in bed and marking the return to shorter daylight hours. The phrase “Spring forward, fall back” is a handy way to remember this.
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Why do we move the clocks forward?
While the concept may not have scientific roots, daylight saving time serves a practical purpose of maximizing the use of daylight during the summer months.
By moving the clocks forward, we extend daylight into the evening, which is beneficial for activities like evening walks, sports, and finishing work in daylight. This system is also used in parts of the Southern Hemisphere to align with the summer season.
Where did daylight saving time originate?
This idea is often credited to George Hudson, an insect enthusiast from New Zealand. He proposed the idea in 1895 to shift the clocks for more evening sunlight.
Germany was the first country to officially implement daylight saving time in 1916 during World War I. The UK followed suit shortly after, along with other countries involved in the conflict.
Why do some people want to stop changing the clocks?
Critics argue that daylight saving time can have negative effects including sleep disruptions, increased risk of heart attacks, and confusion in daily routines, especially for teenagers.
Disrupting morning sunlight can interfere with the body’s internal clock, affecting mood and alertness. Some believe that with more flexible working patterns and 24-hour lifestyles, daylight saving time is becoming less relevant.
Do all countries follow daylight saving time?
Of the 195 countries worldwide, only about 70 observe daylight saving time, and many are reconsidering its necessity. Equatorial countries tend to skip daylight saving time as they receive consistent sunlight throughout the year.
In Europe, the European Parliament proposed abolishing biannual clock changes in 2019, but the decision has yet to be finalized. For now, European countries continue to align their clocks with the UK.
Some research stations in Antarctica alternate between GMT and Central European Summer Time, making their timekeeping quite unusual.
How to adjust to clock changes?
To minimize the impact of losing an hour, consider adjusting your bedtime gradually leading up to the time change. Getting natural light early in the morning and staying active can help reset your internal clock.
If you have young children or pets, be prepared for disruptions in their routines. To learn more about minimizing the health impact of daylight saving time changes, check out expert tips on how to cope.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
