Campaigners say that twice-yearly clock changes in the UK is harmful to our sleep health. The British Sleep Society (BSS) believes that the clock changes should be scrapped and we should restore a permanent standard time in the UK. The clocks change twice a year with the understanding that it gives us more daylight in the evening in the summer, and an earlier sunrise in the winter.
However, BSS says that the changes of the clock can interfere negatively with sleep regulation. Many countries across the world observe this daylight saving time, including most of Europe and North America. Within Europe, only Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Russia and Turkey do not practice daylight saving time.
READ MORE: 'I spent 25 minutes doing CPR on my husband - I think I knew it was already too late' READ MORE: F our health risks you may not realise come from sharing a vape with friends The call for the change has been made by leading scientists from universities across the UK. They argue that maintaining natural daylight in the morning is crucial for our body clocks to maintain an alignment with day and night. By changing the clocks back during the winter, our mornings are darker, which means we lose this natural awakening from the sun.
Our bodies and sleep is impacted by something called the circadian rhythm. This is the body's natural 24-hour cycle. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, according to research, is getting outside early.