I Made A Walking Change Ahead Of Clocks Going Back, And My Sleep Is Already Better

Recent morning walkThough the upcoming clock change promises an extra hour in bed, some experts think that doesn’t actually happen in real life. Instead, Harvard Health writes, “Many people don’t, or can’t, take advantage of this weekend’s extra hour of sleep. And the resulting shift in the body’s daily sleep-wake cycle can disrupt sleep for several days”. That’s partly why sleep experts reccomend “staggering” your bedtime in the lead-up to the clocks going back this weekend (26 October). “One of the worst things you can do when the clocks go back is to ignore your sleep schedule and expect your body to instantly adjust,” sleep expert Alison Jones from Sealy UK previously told us. But that doesn’t just mean changing when you nod off. An early morning habit can help too – and having tried it, I can say it’s already begun to help my sleep. Recent morning walksMorning walking can help to regulate your body clock Bethany Lawrence, an orthopaedic expert for Panda London, previously told HuffPost UK that “Natural light exposure in the morning helps reset your circadian rhythm”. So, if you’re looking to get over disruptions to your sleep/wake cycle, “Try taking a walk outside or opening your curtains early to get as much light as possible, improving mood and helping your body adjust to the time shift”. As it happens, I’d been trying the 6-6-6 walking technique (it involves walking for 60 minutes at either 6pm or 6am – I chose the morning one). But because I found that the morning light was more important than the actual hour of the stroll, I’ve started adjusting it to fit my local sunrise. So, I set off at 7:30 for a later dawnbreak, and because of the delay, I no longer walk the full hour on workdays.Not only do I find the beauty of the dawn walk a great motivator, but, per the Cleveland Clinic, just 10 minutes of sunlight can help our body to receive its benefits. And clinical psychologist Dr Michael Breus, better known as The Sleep Doctor, said: “Every single human, just as soon as possible after waking up, should go outside and get at least 15 minutes of direct natural light. Period”.The change has helped my sleep already Though my walks have gotten shorter as the weather’s gotten colder (and as the sunrise time creeps later and later), I’ve still noticed less 3am wake-ups, a reduction in morning fatigue, and an easier journey to dreamland. Scientifically speaking, that makes sense. “Morning bright light resulted in higher sleep efficiency, less sleep fragmentation, shorter time in bed, earlier sleep onset, and lower” morning fatigue, a 2023 paper found.And as we’ve mentioned, slowly building your sleep pattern to match the clock changes will likely lead to better results than simply changing your whole routine the second they go back. That’s without mentioning the mood-boosting, heart-health-improving benefits of morning walking, either.It looks like this is a change I’ll be sticking with, especially in the colder months.Related...I Tried The '6-6-6' Walking Challenge, And It Got Me Out Of An Exercise RutHere's How Many Steps To Walk A Day To Lower Your Dementia RiskWant To Make Your Walks Healthier? Try The 'Sing Test'

Comments

Breaking news

Actually, There Was Nothing Indian About The British Museum's India-Themed Pink Ball

Huffpost uk

Even Republicans are alarmed at Trump’s moves to pay the military as federal government shutdown becomes second longest in history

about 3 hours ago

AI can help the environment, even though it uses tremendous energy. Here are 5 ways how

Independent

Comments

Breaking news

Actually, There Was Nothing Indian About The British Museum's India-Themed Pink Ball

What Is 'Workslop,' The AI Trend Workers Hate?

Woman killed after man crashed into back of BMW at 140mph

Baby P’s mum speaks about toddler’s death for the first time at parole hearing

I’m an ex-officer – sexism in the police no longer surprises me

Republican candidate says far-right group Proud Boys should be able to ‘hunt’ migrants

How affiliate content opens paths to new revenue opportunities

Line Of Duty Star Vicky McClure Teases A New Project With Her Co-Stars

Robert Pattinson Thought He Met Jennifer Lawrence, Actually Just Watched Hunger Games

Labour's Inquiry Into The Grooming Gangs Scandal Is In Crisis. Here's Why

ChatGPT launches Atlas browser to rival Google Chrome – but is it any good?

Man deported to France in one in one out scheme ‘returns to UK on small boat’

Does the Earth now actually have two moons?

Boy, 15, who murdered teenager Harvey Willgoose at school unmasked by judge

Putin directs drills of Russian nuclear forces as his summit with Trump is put on hold

During cold and flu season, the youngest kids really are the germiest

Baby P’s mother recalled to prison over failing to disclose online relationship, parole board told

Five 2026 vehicles you should absolutely wait for

Australian charged with stealing Labubu dolls worth more than £4,000

What to know about the 13 hostages whose remains are still inside Gaza

Watchdog report says American e-waste is causing a 'hidden tsunami' in Southeast Asia

The Latest: Hegseth changes policy on how Pentagon officials communicate with Congress

Bay Area woman sexually assaulted and tortured for a week by man she met on Facebook, police say

Watch live: Keir Starmer faces PMQs grilling on child grooming gang inquiry

Trump faces mounting legal battle over National Guard deployments across US

At least 46 people killed in head-on bus crash in Uganda

Money-losing companies with colorful histories have pivoted to crypto

Survey reveals what Britons really think about daylight savings

Downing Street’s top civil servant ‘on brink of being ousted’

Hundreds of Russian troops stranded and starving in ‘death zone’ on Ukraine’s Dnipro river

Firms in England set for £1bn business rates hike next year

Fire and shooting at a camp in Belgrade hosting the president's loyalists injures 1

Right-wing podcast stars including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens in line for Golden Globes award

Heineken reveals UK bucking trend of global beer sales

Universities warn Starmer: Evacuate Gaza scholarship students now or they will lose their place

Following meteoric success — and some criticism — 'Nobody Wants This' evolves in Season 2

Even Republicans are alarmed at Trump’s moves to pay the military as federal government shutdown becomes second longest in history

AI can help the environment, even though it uses tremendous energy. Here are 5 ways how

This seat taken? Group accused of stealing over 1,000 restaurant chairs

Baroness Casey hauled in to save grooming gangs inquiry after four survivors quit, Starmer announces at PMQs

Mother of baby abandoned at Penn Station subway stop charged with endangering child

Teenage boy who killed Harvey Willgoose during school lunch break named in court

Keir Starmer backs call for Prince Andrew to be hauled in front of MPs to give evidence

iPhone users urged to check one setting on device to avoid becoming hacking victim

'Gorgeous' autumn destination with 'beautiful views' is 'great for weekend trip'

Glasgow council education chief resigns after text message row

Man charged and two rushed to hospital after crash at West Lothian roundabout

Breakfast with Santa event announced at Dobbies Livingston store

'Ghost' shopping centre in Ayrshire town could make way for revived gym venture

Livingston MP welcomes UK Government's “blitz on business bureaucracy”

Domestic abuse victim so intimidated by controlling partner she shaved her hair off

Stirling residents advised to share thoughts on new active travel infrastructure plans

West Lothian employers urged to get involved in Scottish Careers Week

Here's Why Louis Tomlinson Still HATES Logan Paul

Alexander Skarsgård Sums Up His Dad’s Reaction To BDSM Movie Pillion In Just Four Words

I Made A Walking Change Ahead Of Clocks Going Back, And My Sleep Is Already Better

8 Pairs Of Fingerless Gloves To Channel Your Inner Claudia Winkleman With

London health food stores could close after 40 years in latest high street blow

Four reasons why Putin is delaying another meeting with Trump

Pizza Hut is more than grease and nostalgia – I’m devastated at closures