Technically, we’re returning to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) after months of British Summer Time (BST). This practice, often called Daylight Saving Time, was popularised in the early 20th century. The idea was to make better use of daylight during the war years, saving fuel and energy.
But here’s the fun fact: Benjamin Franklin first proposed something similar in 1784, more as a joke than a serious plan. He suggested that Parisians could save candles by waking up earlier. Today, we actually get to sleep in—and that’s a much better punchline.
What this actually means for your body
Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, isn’t programmed for sudden shifts. Even a single hour change can throw off your sleep patterns for a few days. Don’t panic—your body will adjust, but you might feel a little foggy come Monday morning.
A practical tip: start shifting your bedtime by 15 minutes a few days before the change. It eases the transition. And on Sunday, resist the urge to binge-watch until 3 AM—that extra hour is precious, so use it for something that actually resets you, like a slow breakfast or a morning walk in the crisp air.
