As we approach the end of October, the daylight hours are decreasing, signaling the imminent arrival of winter. This weekend, the clocks in the UK will be set back by one hour, marking the conclusion of British Summer Time.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, this adjustment occurs annually on the last Sunday of October. This year, the UK clocks will be turned back on October 26 at 2am. While many will appreciate the extra hour of sleep, this change can disrupt the body’s internal clock.
Dr. Bhavini Shah, a general practitioner at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, emphasizes the importance of sleep for overall health, affecting heart health, mental well-being, immunity, reproductive health, and hormonal balance. Alterations in daylight hours can disturb sleep patterns and potentially impact health.
To counteract the negative effects of the time change and enhance sleep quality, Dr. Shah recommends engaging in a morning walk on the 27th. Exposure to sunlight assists in regulating circadian rhythms, aiding in the adjustment to the time change.
Increasing exposure to daylight can assist in regulating the circadian rhythm, commonly referred to as the internal body clock that governs waking times.
Advice from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust suggests that maximizing daylight during the day, especially in the morning, and incorporating rest periods in the evening can support circadian rhythm synchronization.
For individuals experiencing persistent sleep difficulties, the NHS website provides guidance on managing insomnia, offering recommendations for achieving better sleep quality.
When dealing with health concerns related to sleep, consulting a GP is recommended.
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