As the warm, golden light of autumn begins to fade a little earlier each evening, many Australians have probably noticed the shift in daylight hours. While the changing seasons can be a beautiful and invigorating time, it also signals the end of daylight savings. Yep: get ready for an extra hour's sleep this Sunday, 2 April, when our clocks turn back by one hour at precisely 3am! But why do we have daylight savings time in the first place? And what effects does it starting – and ending – have on our bodies?
Bright beginnings
Daylight savings time was first introduced in Australia during World War I as a way to conserve coal and electricity. The idea was to shift the clock forward by one hour during the summer months to take advantage of the longer daylight hours, and then move it back in winter to avoid waking up in the dark.
Today, the practice of daylight savings continues, with most states and territories taking it onboard (although some have opted out, we see you Queensland!). But aside from saving energy, there are many other benefits to having daylight savings.
So what's so great about bringing our clocks forward?
The start of daylight savings means we lose an hour of sleep, but it also brings with it the promise of longer, brighter days. Exposure to natural light has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as improving mood, increasing vitamin D production, and regulating our circadian rhythm, or internal body clock.
Research has shown that natural light exposure is a powerful tool for regulating our sleep-wake cycle, and when our internal body clock is in sync with the external environment, we feel more alert, energised and productive during the day.
Exposure to natural light can also help reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects some people during the darker months of the year. By setting our clocks forward and making the most of the extra daylight, we can potentially alleviate these symptoms and improve our overall mood and wellbeing.
And what about setting them back?
In contrast, setting our clocks back at the end of daylight savings means we gain an hour of sleep, but it also means we have to cope with earlier sunsets and longer nights. However, this change can have its own unique benefits.
Adequate sleep is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing, and gaining an extra hour of sleep can have positive effects on our mood, cognitive function and physical health. Sleep experts do note, however, that if you're suffering from sleep deprivation or have gone for a long time without adequate sleep, that extra hour won't 'cure' your sleep deficit: you'll have to overhaul your sleep hygiene.
Setting our clocks back can, however, be an opportunity to reset our sleep habits and establish a healthier sleep routine. By taking advantage of the extra hour of sleep and making small changes to our sleep habits, we can potentially improve our sleep quality and overall health.
In conclusion, daylight savings may come with its own set of challenges, such as adjusting our sleep schedules and coping with tiredness. However, there are many positive effects it can have on our body and mind, whether we're setting our clocks forward or back. By being mindful of our sleep habits and making small adjustments to our routine, we can make the most of what the new season has to offer. So, whether you love it or hate it, don't forget to set your clocks back on Sunday morning and make the most of the extra hour of sleep!
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