How do the clocks going back affect our health?

This weekend the clocks will go back by an hour to mark the end of British Summer Time. We may get an extra hour in bed, but the clocks changing could have an impact on our health.

Researchers suggest that changing the clocks can have serious implications for our health with the disruption to our circadian rhythms. These are our physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and regulate sleep patterns, appetite and energy levels aligned with the cycle of day and night.

Although a difference of just an hour doesn’t sound like much, experts say that it’s still a major change for our bodies. The times of sunrise and sunset can confuse our hormones and the sudden shift takes a while for us to adjust to. Therefore, you might struggle with your sleep schedule or quality for the first few days or weeks.

With the longer, darker evenings, we will all enjoy less natural light and be exposed to more screens and blue light. A further factor that we may not consider initially is the cost of living. As the energy crisis continue to put pressure on finances, many have spoken up about the negative impact the clock change will have on their energy bills, as families need more lighting and heating in the evenings that will now get darker earlier.

The shorter days can also contribute to a mood disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A depressive condition which often impacts people in winter the months, with symptoms including lethargy, low mood, irritability, poor concentration, and sleep problems.

So, what can we do to help combat any of these symptoms though the winter months?

• Supplements – A vitamin D supplement to support your body’s chemical schedule will help with reduced exposure to the sun through the winter months.
• Exercising – Regular exercise will be hugely beneficial, so keep motivated and maybe try different sports or activities for the winter months.
• Nutrition – Stick to a healthy balanced diet. Nourish your body with some healthy warming recipes packed with goodness.
• Spend time outdoors – If the weather is not appealing, just wrap yourself up, embrace the elements and enjoy some fresh air.
• Sleep – Keep to a regular sleep schedule to help regulate hormones and energy levels.
• Sunrise Alarms – Consider an alarm that mimics the sunrise and gradually wakes the body each morning.

With a few self-care practices, we can keep on track with our health over winter and not slip into bad habits or lose motivation that leaves us feeling we have a huge task to get back to fitness come January.   

There is a lot to love about Autumn and Winter, so let’s embrace the change in the seasons get the most out of every day!