As the UK prepares for the clocks to change, two major shifts are on the horizon. Unfortunately, summer is coming to an end, but on the bright side, you’ll get an extra hour of sleep when the clocks go back in October.
But when exactly will this happen? And why do we turn the clocks back to March? Here’s everything you need to know.
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When will the clocks change in October 2024?
The clocks will go back to 2am on Sunday, October 27, 2024, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) or British Summer Time (BST) and the switch to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
This adjustment means that the sun will set an hour earlier in London at 4:41pm on Sunday. However, the sunrise in London will also move back an hour from 7:45am to 6:45am, so you can expect a brighter morning.
Your smartphone will automatically update the time while you sleep, but get ready to reset your car, wall, and oven clocks the next day.
I hope this year I won’t have to keep pressing the minute button repeatedly to reset the time…
Why do the clocks change?
The practice of changing the clocks is more practical than scientific, allowing people to maximize daylight. Turning back the clocks in autumn means the sun sets earlier, giving us a head start on winter.
Where did daylight saving time originate?
The concept of daylight saving time can be traced back to George Hudson in New Zealand in 1895. He proposed adjusting the clocks to have more sunlight for activities. The idea was later supported by William Willett in the UK in 1907 to make better use of daylight hours.
Britain implemented daylight saving time in 1916 for energy conservation during World War I.
Why do some people want to end daylight saving time?
While many enjoy an extra hour in the fall, the spring clock change can disrupt sleep patterns and impact health. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart attack and decreased sleep quality during time transitions.
Experts suggest soaking up natural light and avoiding hitting the snooze button to adjust to the time change.
Are there benefits to abolishing daylight saving time?
Research has shown that serious traffic accidents decrease and crime rates lower with the adjustment of daylight saving time. Countries differ in their adoption of this practice.
Which countries do not use daylight saving time?
Most countries do not observe daylight saving time, including many in Africa. The EU is undecided on abolishing daylight saving time, while countries near the equator enjoy stable daylight hours.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
