Sleep experts urge UK to abolish biannual time changes

A team of sleep researchers from the British Sleep Society is urging the UK government to abolish biannual time changes, citing negative impacts on sleep and circadian rhythm health.

After reviewing scientific evidence showing that circadian rhythm and sleep are positively affected by natural daylight and negatively impacted by twice-yearly time changes – particularly the spring forward – the British Sleep Society recommends ending these changes in the UK.

In a statement published in the Journal of Sleep Research, the Society “unequivocally recommends” maintaining standard time throughout the year.

Dr Megan Crawford, Psychology Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, argues that maintaining permanent summer time would be “misguided from a sleep and circadian health perspective”.

She explains that mornings are when our body clocks most need light to stay synchronised, noting that there is no excess daylight to save during winter months at UK latitudes.

Professor Malcolm von Schantz, Professor of Chronobiology at Northumbria University and member of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, explains that by advocating for year-round standard time, the Society emphasises how morning natural daylight is vital for maintaining optimal alignment of body clocks with day and night cycles, which is essential for optimal sleep and overall health.

He adds that reverting to permanent standard time would ensure closer alignment with solar time.

While this would mean earlier summer sunsets, it would provide additional health benefits through improved sleep and circadian alignment due to increased morning sunlight exposure from autumn through spring.