This weekend marks the conclusion of daylight saving, presenting both advantages and disadvantages for Australians in the states and territories that adhere to this century-old practice of altering the clock.
A clear benefit is that residents in the ACT, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria will gain an additional hour of sleep on Saturday night, reducing the likelihood of waking up before dawn.
Smartphones and many electronic devices should automatically adjust to revert an hour at 3 AM on Sunday, April 5. However, it may be necessary to manually reset analogue watches, clocks, ovens, and similar devices. (In Queensland, Western Australia, and Northern Territory, where daylight saving is not observed, there will be no alterations. )
The downside to this time change is the increased darkness during the early evening, which could affect outdoor activities after work and may lead some individuals to retreat indoors to watch more television – though the cooler autumn temperatures also contribute to this shift.
One concern frequently mentioned in recent discussions is how the change might influence sleep patterns and overall health.
Many perceive that the fall transition from daylight saving time back to standard time is advantageous due to the extra hour of sleep acquired, noted researchers Meltem Weger and Benjamin Weger in a previous article for The Conversation.
Nevertheless, certain studies indicate that reverting from daylight saving time to standard time can also negatively affect wellbeing, associated with increased nighttime restlessness that can disrupt sleep.
The researchers also referenced Danish studies linking the “fall back” change to a rise in episodes of depression lasting up to 10 weeks following the switch to standard time.
In the past decade, several regions and nations globally have eliminated daylight saving, with the European Union currently facing calls for similar action.
Approximately one-third of countries continue to implement the biannual time change, which was initially introduced during World War I to save fuel, and was gradually reintroduced in Australia from 1967 to 1972.
While some advocates argue it can still contribute to energy conservation today by reducing reliance on artificial lighting at night, daylight saving is primarily valued for its social, economic, and health benefits by allowing people to maximize daylight during the summer months.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, the conclusion of daylight saving is less disruptive to our bodies than the beginning of this schedule change, thanks to that valuable extra hour.
The body’s circadian rhythm, our natural internal clock, functions on a cycle slightly longer than 24 hours, the organization explains on its website. This suggests that extending our day by staying up a bit later is much simpler than shortening it.
It mentions that “falling back” might actually aid in improving sleep quality.
Following the clock change, darkness will descend sooner, potentially leading us to retire for the night earlier, particularly after the lengthy, bright summer evenings that encourage late nights. Mornings will be brighter, facilitating an easier rise to engage in morning exercise for a positive start to the day.
For those who remain doubtful, the New South Wales government website offers several suggestions to ease the transition, such as:
To jumpstart your morning and sidestep any timing confusion, adjust your clock and any house clocks that don’t update automatically to the new time prior to going to sleep.
Take advantage of morning light: Spend time outdoors in the morning to assist in resetting your internal clock.
Maintain regularity: Adhere to a steady sleep routine to prevent interruptions.
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