Shropshire Star

When do we put the clocks back?

Every year, twice a year, we all ask the same questions - "when do the clocks go back?", "when do they go forward?", "does that mean an extra hour in bed or an hour less?".

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I'm sure if you are not the one asking the questions then no doubt you've heard a friend, colleague or family member ask them in bemusement.

But no need to fear - the answer this weekend is made clear right here - and sadly it signals the end of British Summer Time for another year.

The clocks go back an hour on Sunday, October 25 at exactly 2am which means you'll have a shorter night out if you're partying until the early hours, but an extra hour in bed.

Sunday has been designated 'National Sleep-In Day' and The Sleep Council has five excellent tips to help parents and young children cope with the time change.

  • When the clocks first go back, mornings are lighter so ensure bedrooms are kept dark with black-out blinds or curtains.

  • Alter bedtime by around 10 minutes over a few days beforehand to adjust to the new time.

  • Maintain bedtime routines. Get ready for bed in the same order e.g pyjamas on, tooth brushing, toilet, bedtime story.

  • Turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime.

  • Offer a milky, warm drink to encourage sleepiness and avoid stimulating food and drink in the hours before bedtime.

The very first idea of British Summer Time, also known as Daylight Saving Time, was introduced in 1907 by a builder named William Willett.

He wanted to prevent people wasting valuable labour hours during summer mornings and published a leaflet called 'The Waste of Daylight' in an attempt to change the nation's clocks and get workers out of bed earlier.

So as of 2am Britain will be back on Greenwich Mean Time. The countdown to winter is on.

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