Twice annually, we go through the ritual of adjusting our clocks, a practice that puzzles many and leaves us wondering about its impact. Last October, with support from the Guardian, researchers from Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Oxford embarked on a comprehensive survey to delve into this very issue. They aimed to discover how these clock changes ripple through our daily lives.
Over 12,000 people took part, answering questions related to their wellbeing, life satisfaction, and stress levels both before and immediately after the clocks were turned back. Analyzing these responses revealed a fascinating pattern: women seemed to face more negative effects in terms of mental health and wellbeing right after the change, while men reported feeling better and more content with life. So, what insights can we glean about our relationship with time here?
The practice of changing clocks isn’t new—it stretches back to the First World War in Britain. Some people view it as a charming herald of changing seasons, but not everyone feels that way. Our findings indicated that women were more prone to feelings of anxiety, confusion, guilt, and stress linked to the autumn clock change. These effects appeared so swiftly—within just a day or two—suggesting they result from the time shift itself rather than the subtle approach of longer nights. As one woman described, “I feel like I’m losing control. My mind won’t stop racing, and I’m falling behind on tasks. I’m completely disoriented.”
Women, it turned out, had a tougher time helping their young children adjust to the new schedule. Changes in bedtime routines and morning tasks added layers of stress to family life. Many noted feeling like the days dragged more than ever after the clock shift in October. In comparison, our text analysis revealed that men tended to share more positive experiences, with one man remarking how he’d already “achieved so much more” thanks to the “extra” hour.
Both genders, however, noted a decline in work-life balance once the clocks changed. The sudden plunge into darker evenings seemed to shrink the time we have for ourselves outside work. Winter darkness is inevitable, yet adjusting the clocks overnight denies us the chance for a gentle adaptation over weeks. One participant voiced it succinctly: “The sudden dark tonight made me dread the looming winter.” In a world where burnout increasingly prompts work absences, the negative ramifications on health and economic productivity due to this policy must be scrutinized.
Even those who relish extra sunlight in the evenings aren’t left untouched, for the transition to British Summer Time, too, brings its own troubles. Studies suggest the spring shift is linked with a spike in car accidents and heart ailments. Plus, there’s some indication it might worsen mental health conditions, aggravating symptoms in those with disorders like seasonal affective disorder and depression.
Rising earlier can also leave us feeling more strapped for time than before, inflating stress and diminishing life satisfaction. It may only be one hour “lost,” yet the consequences for wellbeing are profound. To scrutinize this further, we invite you, Guardian readers, to join our fresh study on the spring clock change’s effect on wellbeing.
Underlying these impacts is perhaps our body’s own clock. Circadian rhythms, guiding our sleep and eating habits, get thrown off track by the time change—somewhat akin to jet lag, though without the thrill of travel. This disruption, coupled with adjusting to new routines, can heighten cortisol levels, potentially leaving us more susceptible to various health challenges. Such adverse outcomes led the American Medical Association to advocate for the end of clock changes entirely.
Through our research on the clock shifts, we’re also reflecting on time’s broader impact. This study is part of a larger initiative exploring time’s power over society and our personal lives, consistently revealing that time profoundly influences our wellbeing. For example, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, 80% of people felt time stretching or compressing, affecting their daily experiences. People who struggled without routine or social interactions reported feeling that lockdown dragged on endlessly compared to those who thrived in isolation.
Changes like clock adjustments and lockdowns starkly illustrate how modern life binds us to the relentless tick of the clock. Time exerts a quiet but powerful influence, dictating our actions, often without our realizing. Our bodies are naturally aligned with our environments, craving regular rhythms in sleep, meals, work, and socializing. These routines ground us, offering stability and a sense of community.
Today, however, work and rest are dictated less by sunrise and more by corporate demands. With digital advances, there’s a constant pressure to stay productive, leaving many exhausted and burnt out. Considering our “time poverty,” it’s no wonder clock changes stir stress and upset. We might need to rethink not just the hour change but our broader relationship with time.
Time-based policies often have uneven effects across society. What benefits some can have profound, often negative, impacts on others personally, socially, and economically. Hence, grasping the consequences of these time dictates is essential for crafting fairer policies.
Reconsidering clock changes could be one small step, yet a real transformation demands a reevaluation of societal expectations regarding time, work practices, and gender roles. Envision a future where everyone has a right to free time—a guaranteed block to unplug from the world’s demands—possibly allowing for healthier, happier lives.
Professor Ruth Ogden from Liverpool John Moores University, along with Professor Patricia Kingori from Oxford’s Ethox Centre, delved into these insights on clock changes, inviting dialogue on this pressing matter. If you have thoughts on this topic, feel free to submit a response to our letters section. We would love to hear from you!
