As the weekend approaches, the UK is gearing up to turn back the clocks by an hour, ushering in darker evenings and the full onset of winter. While many individuals welcome the prospect of an extra hour of sleep, this time change can affect children and their behavior.
Certified hypnotherapist and coach Jo from Walker’s Therapy has been providing valuable guidance and tips on social media to help people, especially parents, unlock their potential and make positive changes in their lives. In a recent TikTok video, Jo highlighted the potential negative impacts of the clock change on children as British Summer Time transitions back to Greenwich Mean Time.
On Sunday, October 26, at 2 am, the clocks will be set back by one hour. Despite the challenges of darker evenings, this adjustment aims to maximize daylight in the mornings during the winter months, with approximately four minutes of daylight lost each day as the clocks are turned back.
This change is particularly significant in Scotland, where cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh see sunrises as late as 8.45 am GMT in December, which would be 9.45 am under British Summer Time.
Jo emphasized the importance of helping parents navigate the potential disruptions caused by the clock change on children. In her TikTok video, she explained how the circadian rhythm disruption resulting from the time shift can impact children’s sleep patterns and behavior.
The coach pointed out that even a small shift in time can disturb hormone cycles, appetite, mood, and sleep, especially in children whose nervous systems are still developing. The confusion in melatonin production due to lighter mornings and darker evenings can lead to early waking, bedtime resistance, and emotional regulation difficulties in children.
Offering practical advice, Jo highlighted the significance of understanding and supporting children through this adjustment period. She emphasized that the clock change is not merely an hour difference but a shift in children’s circadian rhythm affecting their sleep, emotions, and behavior.
In the comments section, viewers shared their thoughts on the challenges posed by the clock change, with some expressing the need to reconsider the practice altogether. Amid concerns about the impact on children, Jo’s guidance was appreciated for shedding light on ways to navigate the effects of the time adjustment.