The British Sleep Society has taken a firm stance against the UK’s twice-yearly clock changes, recommending a permanent shift to Standard Time based on scientific research showing negative impacts of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on sleep and circadian health.
Summary: The British Sleep Society has issued a position statement advocating for the abolition of biannual clock changes and a return to permanent Standard Time (GMT), citing scientific evidence of adverse effects on sleep and health from Daylight Saving Time.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The Science Behind the Recommendation
“What we often don’t realize is that DST changes our schedules, moving them forward by one hour while daylight remains the same. DST forces us all to get up and go to work or school one hour earlier, often in the dark,” said Eva Winnebeck, PhD, of the University of Surrey.
The Society’s position emphasizes that natural morning light plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy sleep patterns and aligning our body clocks with the natural day-night cycle. This alignment directly affects not just sleep quality but overall health and well-being.
Geographic Considerations and Population Impact
While some advocate for year-round DST, experts warn against this approach. “Some people even advocate switching to DST all year around. We think this is misguided, because it would leave us with dark mornings during the winter, and morning light is critically important for keeping our body clocks synchronized,” says Malcolm von Schantz, PhD, of Northumbria University.
The UK’s geographical position presents unique challenges. As Megan Crawford, PhD, of the University of Strathclyde explains, “The unique location and orientation of our UK landmass needs to be considered because permanent DST would over-disadvantage people west and north of London.”
This first published UK perspective joins other international sleep societies in advocating for year-round Standard Time, marking a significant step in the ongoing debate about time changes and public health.
Glossary of Terms
- Standard Time: The local time when Daylight Saving Time is not in effect (GMT in the UK)
- Daylight Saving Time (DST): The practice of advancing clocks one hour during warmer months
- Circadian Health: The body’s natural 24-hour cycle regulating sleep and other functions
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): The standard time zone against which all others are based
- Body Clock: Internal timing system regulating sleep-wake cycles and other biological processes
Quick Quiz
- What specific time system does the British Sleep Society recommend for year-round use?
- Why do experts argue against year-round DST?
- Which populations would be most disadvantaged by permanent DST in the UK?
Answers:
- Standard Time (Greenwich Mean Time)
- It would result in dark mornings during winter, which disrupts body clock synchronization
- People living west and north of London
For more information: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsr.14352
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