RESIDENTS are being reminded to put their clocks back an hour at 2am tomorrow morning (Sunday, October 27) to mark the end of British Summer Time.
That will mean it will be lighter in the morning but it will get darker earlier in the evening.
The practice of turning the clocks back an hour in October and forward in March began in the early 1900s and happens in many countries around the world.
The debate about whether we should still do it here in the UK surfaces every year around this time. Some argue we should carry on while others say we should remain on Britich Summer Time.
For Daylight Saving Time
Those in favour of Daylight Saving Time (DST) argue it maximises daylight during the longer days of summer, leading to several benefits. Among them are extended daylight in the evenings, encouraging more outdoor activities and promoting physical health and wellbeing.
Businesses also benefit from increased consumer activity, as people are more likely to shop and go out to beer gardens for drinks with friends and meals, later into the eveing.
Additionally, DST is believed to reduce energy consumption by making better use of natural light, which some say can lead to lower electricity bills. Safety is another consideration; more daylight during evening hours can cut the likelihood of accidents and crime.
Against Daylight Saving Time
Those opposing Daylight Saving Time argue the disruption of natural sleep patterns caused by the clock change can have negative health effects, including increased rates of heart attacks and strokes.
Critics also question the actual energy savings, suggesting modern lifestyles and technology negate these benefits.
The biannual time change can lead to confusion and reduced productivity, as people adjust to the new schedule.
In the past decade, some countries have ditched their Daylight Saving Time, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Jordan, Namibia, Russia, Samoa, Syria, Turkey, Uruguay and most of Mexico. Ultimately, many believe the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, calling for a reevaluation or elimination of the practice.
