The Clocks Go Forward This Weekend – Why It’s Not Easy for Everyone
Posted on 28th March 2025 at 14:56
This Sunday, 31st March, the clocks go forward an hour as British Summer Time (BST) begins. While many people might find it a minor inconvenience, like losing an hour of sleep and feeling groggy for a day or two, it can be far more challenging for those living with chronic illness or disabilities.
For some, this seemingly small change can disrupt routines, worsen symptoms, and make daily life even harder to manage. In this blog, we’ll explore why the clock change is tough for many people and share practical tips to help ease the transition.
Why Do the Clocks Go Forward?
In the UK, the clocks go forward one hour at 1 am on the last Sunday in March, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time. The idea behind this shift is to make better use of daylight during the longer summer months. While it brings brighter evenings, it also means losing an hour of sleep.
Most people feel a bit out of sorts for a day or two after the change. However, for those living with health conditions or disabilities, the effects can last much longer and cause significant disruption to daily life.
Why the Clock Change Affects People with Ill Health and Disabilities
1. Sleep Disruptions and Chronic Fatigue
One of the most immediate impacts of the clock change is sleep disruption. For those already dealing with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, or neurological disorders, sleep quality is often poor at the best of times. Adding an abrupt shift to the mix can worsen insomnia, increase fatigue, and trigger pain flare-ups that can last for days or even weeks.
Sleep patterns can be notoriously difficult to adjust when your body is already struggling with maintaining a natural rhythm. The disruption can lead to heightened brain fog, concentration issues, and a general sense of exhaustion that’s hard to shake off.
Tip: Prepare for the Change Gradually
If possible, start adjusting your bedtime by 10-15 minutes earlier each night in the days leading up to the clock change. This gradual shift can help your body adapt without the shock of a full hour’s difference all at once.
2. Medication Schedules and Health Risks
Many people with long-term health conditions rely on strict medication schedules. For example, those with diabetes may take insulin at the same time each day to manage blood sugar levels, while others depend on pain relief or heart medication taken at precise intervals.
A sudden change in timing can cause complications, as some medications require a consistent dosing schedule to remain effective. Adjusting medication too quickly can lead to adverse effects or reduced efficacy, putting the individual’s health at risk.
Tip: Seek Professional Advice
If your medication timing is critical, talk to your healthcare provider about how to safely adjust your schedule. In some cases, they may recommend gradually shifting dose times over several days.
3. Routine Disruptions and Cognitive Impact
For people living with conditions such as autism, dementia, or mental health challenges, maintaining a consistent routine is vital. Any unexpected changes can cause confusion, anxiety, and distress. The clock change, with its sudden impact on daily patterns, can feel overwhelming and destabilising.
Carers and family members may find it challenging to support their loved ones during this time. Increased agitation, disrupted sleep, and heightened anxiety are common reactions, and it may take extra patience and reassurance to help them adjust.
Tip: Maintain Familiar Routines Where Possible
Try to keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime as consistent as you can, even if the actual time on the clock has shifted. Providing extra reassurance and creating a calm environment can also make the transition smoother.
4. Body Clock Struggles and Long-Term Adjustment
For many people, their circadian rhythm doesn’t simply adjust overnight. Conditions such as long COVID, postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), and other autonomic dysfunctions can make it especially hard to adapt. The body's internal clock might take several days, or even weeks, to catch up with the new schedule.
This can lead to disrupted sleep, worsened fatigue, and increased difficulty with daily activities. The fatigue can be overwhelming, and trying to push through it often leads to a greater risk of burnout or physical relapse.
Tip: Prioritise Rest and Self-Care
Give yourself permission to take things slow during the adjustment period. Incorporating gentle activities, relaxation techniques, and self-care routines can help support your well-being.
Be Kind to Yourself and Others
The clocks going forward might seem like a minor inconvenience to some, but it’s essential to recognise that it can significantly impact those living with chronic illnesses or disabilities. If you’re affected, be kind to yourself and allow time to adjust. If you know someone who might struggle, show understanding and offer support.
Raising awareness about how seemingly small changes can have big effects is crucial. Whether it’s giving someone the space to rest or offering to help with practical tasks, a little kindness can go a long way.
How can we help:
Academy Care, are a domiciliary care company, providing support to individuals whom for reasons of ill health or disability, could benefit from long or short-term domiciliary care services in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. Our highly trained, passionate carers, support people daily in their own homes, to optimise both their independence and wellbeing.
We create tailored care plans to meet the needs of all our clients, working with the client, their family and any medical or social services to ensure that the client gets the very best care for them. We also continuously monitor these care plans to ensure that they are up to date with the needs of the client, as needs can change very quickly.
We will work with you, the client’s family to deliver the care, helping to ensure that everyone involved is happy with the care being provided and that the client’s needs are being met through our service.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, give us a call on 01924 925 244, alternatively look at our services here.
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