Early on 25 October the so-called “winter time” will be applied and we will need to put back our clocks by one hour. At three o clock it will be two o’ clock and there’ll be one hour more for sleeping.

This has occurred twice a year since 1974 in over 70 countries all over the world with an aim to saving energy and bringing the work day into line with the hours of natural light. The other clock change takes place on the last Sunday of March when we have to put the clock forward by one hour at two am, so that the night is shorter.

Even though the change is slight and it occurs at dawn, it greatly affects our lives. Experts say that it causes certain changes in our biological rhythm which could lead to sleep disorders, especially in children and the elderly, who are more sensitive to these changes. People suffering from epilepsy or migraines could have their symptoms temporarily aggravated as a result of these changes.

Are there any advantages to this clock change?

• Less artificial lighting is used when timetables avail to the maximum of the hours of sunlight, with the resulting savings in electricity consumption.
• Light and environmental pollution is reduced.

What will you notice?

• Tiredness.
• A lack of concentration.
• Nervousness.
• Mood swings.
• Headaches.
• Difficulty in falling asleep.
• Lack of appetite.

All these little symptoms disappear after a few days at the most and our sleep–wake cycle returns to normal with serious consequences.

How can you best adapt?

• Change the time on all your clocks and watches and on your mobile phone as soon as possible. It will help you get used to the change sooner. And don’t spend the whole day saying: its three o’ clock but it is really four o’ clock. This will not help you adjust.
• Change the time you go to bed. Bring it forward just 15 minutes a day to avoid insomnia, a few days before the clock change.
• Make a slight change to your mealtimes in order to adapt to the new timetable and not lose your appetite. Don’t skip meals. Just delay lunch and dinner times a little (20 minutes).
• Avoid siestas or naps on the day after the clock change.
• Don’t have drinks with caffeine or stimulants on the Sunday.
• Do some exercise during the day, to eliminate stress and release endorphins for a better rest. Take advantage of the hours of sunlight.
• Don’t take drugs to help you sleep. This could cause long-lasting sleep disturbance. Disturbances as a result of the clock change are negligent and will disappear completely in a few days.

Do not worry. You won’t even remember in a few days. Enjoy this new season that brings us very special colours, scents and flavours and before you know it, you will be putting your clock forward again.

This post is also available in: Spanish