Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

BRIGHTER mornings and evenings brought on by daylight savings time when the clocks go forward will see more than ⅔ of Brits enjoy a boost in their mood, according to new research.

The study, from the UK’s most trusted sleep brand, Silentnight, found 67% of the nation feels happier and more content when the clocks go forward on Sunday, 26 March 2023, thanks to the increase in daylight hours it creates.

However, the research also found that Spring daylight savings time temporarily results in disrupted sleep for 34% of the nation, as we lose an hour of sleep due to the clocks going forward at 1 am.

According to the study, a surprising number of Brits don’t even know when the clocks change each year, with 59% admitting that they couldn’t name the date.

Following the change, it takes 40% Brits 3 to 4 days for their sleep routine to return to normal. Despite this, 44% of people say they are unlikely to purposefully go to sleep earlier the night before the clocks go forward to make up for losing an hour of sleep.

The data revealed that the mood-boosting benefit of British Summer Time is experienced by people of all ages and gender, with men, women, and each age demographic reporting positive results.

However, when it comes to negative effects:- 35 to 44 year olds are the most affected, with 40% saying their sleep is most disrupted, closely followed by:- 18 to 24 year olds, at 37%.

According to experts at Silentnight, they have found out that:- 56% of people aged:- 18 to 24 are most likely to go to bed earlier to counteract the loss of sleep, and only:- 16% of 55 to 64 year olds saying they do the same.

Hannah Shore, Sleep Expert at Silentnight, said:- “Our research shows that daylight savings time has both positive and negative effects on the nation’s sleep and wellbeing, so it’s important for us to manage the seasonal change successfully. Everyone loves brighter mornings and evenings, which allow us to spend more time outdoors, however, losing an hour of sleep at the end of March can cause some disruption to our sleep. Sleeping patterns are controlled by our circadian rhythm, which intuitively tells our brains and our bodies when it’s time to wake up and go to sleep. A change in light exposure brought on by daylight savings time, resulting in earlier sunrises and later sunsets, can cause problems. The good news is that there are a number of simple tips and tricks that you can integrate into your daily and night time routines that will help prevent unwanted disrupted sleep"

Do you agree with the findings?

Silerntnight also added that:- "1 simple way to avoid the pitfalls of daylight savings time is to set your alarm clock, household clocks and watch to the new time before hitting the hay. That way, you’ll wake up in the morning ready and raring to take on the day. You’ll also manage to successfully avoid any embarrassing timing mishaps the next day!"