Clocks Go Back: Impacts on Health and Daily Life

Article Level: B1-B2

Explanation: Turning the clocks back in autumn may seem simple, but it impacts sleep, mood, and daily routines. Learn how this time change affects health and tips to adjust smoothly.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Routine /ruːˈtiːn/ (noun): A regular way of doing things.

   A healthy routine helps you manage stress better.

2. Adjust /əˈdʒʌst/ (verb): To change slightly in order to fit new conditions.

   It takes time to adjust to the new schedule.

3. Affect /əˈfɛkt/ (verb): To influence or cause a change in something.
   
   Lack of sleep can affect your mood.

4. Exposure /ɪkˈspəʊʒə/ (noun): The state of being in contact with something, like light or air.

   Daily exposure to sunlight helps boost energy levels.

5. Mood /muːd/ (noun): A person’s temporary state of mind or feeling.

   Listening to music can improve your mood.

Read more: Clocks Go Back: Impacts on Health and Daily Life

   Clocks Go Back: Impacts on Health and Daily Life

Every autumn in the United Kingdom, people turn their clocks back by one hour as British Summer Time ends. While this change may seem small, it can have noticeable effects on both health and daily routines. The idea behind moving the clocks is to make better use of daylight, but not everyone enjoys the switch.

When the clocks go back, most people appreciate the “extra” hour of sleep. However, this temporary benefit can quickly turn into disruption. The body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is sensitive to changes in light and time. A one-hour difference can affect sleep quality, mood, and energy levels, especially during the darker months. Studies have shown that some people experience increased tiredness and difficulty waking up in the mornings after the time change.

The shift also influences mental health. With shorter days and less sunlight, people may feel more anxious or low in mood. This is sometimes linked to a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is caused by reduced daylight exposure. Experts recommend spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even if it’s just a short walk at lunchtime, to help the body adjust naturally.

Daily life routines also change when the clocks go back. Commuters may find themselves travelling home in the dark, which can affect concentration and road safety. There is often a slight rise in traffic accidents during the week following the change, as drivers and pedestrians adapt to the new light conditions. Parents also notice changes in children’s routines, such as earlier waking times or trouble falling asleep.

On the positive side, the time change can encourage people to make healthier choices. Some use the darker evenings as an opportunity to relax at home, cook warm meals, or spend quality time with family. Others view it as a reminder to improve sleep habits—by keeping regular bedtimes, reducing screen time, and creating a calm bedtime routine.

To cope better with the clock change, health experts suggest adjusting your schedule gradually. Going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier in the days before the change can make the transition easier. Staying active and getting fresh air also help the body’s clock reset more smoothly.

In the end, the yearly clock change affects everyone differently. For some, it’s simply an extra hour of rest; for others, it takes days to feel normal again. Understanding how the body responds to time changes can help people stay healthy and balanced throughout the darker season.

Grammar Notes

• • The article mainly uses the present simple tense to describe general truths and habits (e.g. People turn their clocks back, The shift also influences mental health).

  • The present continuous tense appears when describing temporary actions or current changes (e.g. People are
    spending more time indoors).
    
    Mini Lesson:
    
    Use the present simple for facts, routines, and permanent situations.
    
    Use the present continuous for actions happening now or around this time.

  Examples:

  • Present simple: The body reacts to changes in time.

  • Present continuous: People are finding it hard to adjust this week.

 

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• • • Why do people in the UK turn their clocks back in autumn?

    • How does the time change affect a person’s circadian rhythm?

    • What mental health condition is linked to reduced daylight?

    • How can people prepare for the clock change more easily?

    • What are some positive effects of the time change?
      
      

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