MILLIONS of Brits are due to lose an hour of sleep in bed tomorrow when the clocks change.
The clocks will jump forward one hour at 1am on Sunday March 31, signalling the start of daylight saving time.
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The change typically marks the switch to spring, bringing longer evenings in which to spend out in the garden.
Though many gadgets like phones will adjust the time automatically, there will be some devices that will need to be changed manually.
You don’t want to be showing up to work an hour late because you forgot to change your kitchen clock.
To help you get ahead of the game, we outline five things you can do now to prepare for the change and ensure you’re not caught out.
Change your analogue clocks
You will need to change all of the clocks in your home – it might seem pretty obvious but in the digital age it’s easy to forget that not all clocks change automatically.
Any standard analogue clocks will need to be changed by hand.
If you have any analogue alarm clocks, you’ll need to push them forward.
Some alarm clocks may be radio-controlled and will change by themselves, so make sure you know what yours is.
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All car clocks are different, so you should make sure you know how to change yours if need be.
Most won’t change automatically, but you can find instructions for how to do so on your dashboard.
Don’t forget to check the clocks on appliances like microwaves and ovens too.
If you wear a standard wristwatch you will need to change the time on that by hand.
Analogue watch-wearers can change the time by moving the crown on the right-hand side of the watch face.
Those with digital watches may have buttons on the left of the watch face that can be pressed to change the time.
If you’re unsure of how to change a clock, check the manual or search for the device on YouTube.
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Check central heating and hot water
It’s been a pretty unpredictable winter and we’ve seen some very cold spells mixed in with milder days.
You’ve most likely had the heating on over the winter months, so it’s important to reset the time on your thermostat to ensure your heating isn’t coming on at the wrong time and you don’t waste energy.
Some electric radiators come with an app to control them and will be updated automatically.
Older central heating and hot water timers will need to be manually adjusted.
Newer smart thermostats and programmers should automatically adjust to the change.
In the spring it’s always worth taking a look at any timers you have set on your central heating.
The weather should be getting warmer so you may not need it on for too long throughout the day and setting a timer can slash your bill.
Adjust your smart lights
If you use automatic smart lights, you may want to change the time they’re set to come on.
If your lights are connected to your phone, you don’t need to worry as they’ll change automatically.
It should be getting lighter earlier and the evenings will start getting much longer, so you may not need your lights on as much.
Make sure to change your light setting accordingly so you aren’t burning electricity unnecessarily.
Make a change
The changing of the clocks can be a good time to put plans into place for the year ahead.
The New Year is often when people make resolutions, but spring is a time of renewal and a change to spring clean your life – and with longer days there is more time to reach your goals.
Many households will also see big changes coming in April to both their bills and wages.
It’s a good time to look over your finances and make sure your income and your outgoings are balanced.
Go to bed earlier
On Sunday we will be well into our four-day bank holiday weekend.
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Although we only have a four-day workweek ahead, the clocks going forward will mean one less hour in bed.
It could be a good idea to go to bed early on Monday so you get get enough sleep and are fresh and ready for work on Tuesday.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment…
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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