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Original poster

Feel horrendous every time the clocks go back

117 replies

GCAcademic · 30/10/2023 18:43

Literally the day that the clocks go back, I feel awful. It seems to get worse every year and lasts for weeks. Exhausted by 4pm, freezing cold (even with the heating at 20 degrees), just want to crawl into bed before it’s even dinner time.

Anyone else? And does anyone have any tips for dealing with this?

OP posts:
AceofPentacles · 30/10/2023 18:54

Yes I wake up anyway at 4 or 5am as I have insomnia so I cannot sleep past 3 or 4. Then feel grim and dizzy all day . Takes me weeks to adjust. I hate it

Coralsunset · 30/10/2023 18:58

I would much prefer it if they didn't bother putting clocks forward in Spring and just left it like this and we wouldn't have all this adapting twice a year. I don't need it to be light until 9pm in summer.

Original poster
GCAcademic · 30/10/2023 19:02

AceofPentacles · 30/10/2023 18:54

Yes I wake up anyway at 4 or 5am as I have insomnia so I cannot sleep past 3 or 4. Then feel grim and dizzy all day . Takes me weeks to adjust. I hate it

I also have insomnia, I wonder if it’s partly related to having even less sleep. That would make sense.

I am aching all over. It feels like I’m coming down with the flu. But I know from previous experience that it’s the bloody clock change.

OP posts:
TheNoonBell · 30/10/2023 19:06

Same, we call it seasonal jetlag.

Was up at 3am on Sunday, have been all over the place since.

Original poster
GCAcademic · 30/10/2023 19:08

I want to join the hedgehogs that are hibernating at the bottom of the garden. Wake me up when winter’s over . . .

OP posts:
Topofthemountain · 30/10/2023 19:09

I cope better with this change than with losing an hour in Spring. However I am off work this week so that eases it somewhat.

IrritableVowel · 30/10/2023 19:13

I feel crap for a couple of days after the time changes, either forward or back. I am exhausted, starving and out of sorts. It reminds me of jet lag. Hate it.

UncleHerbie · 30/10/2023 19:17

I’m more out of sorts when the clocks go forward in March and would prefer it to be GMT all year round

amylou8 · 30/10/2023 19:22

Me too..going forward is easy, back makes me grotty. I wish they'd put them on summer time and leave them there.

OnlyFannys · 30/10/2023 19:46

I love it when they go back for the extra hour, I also have insomnia but mine stops me being able to get to sleep so often up until 2 or 3am so getting up an hour later is lovely. When they go forward in spring I want to murder everything for about 3 days 😁

Delatron · 30/10/2023 19:48

Yes it really messes with my body clock and I don’t sleep well anyway. Wish they’d just stick with one time and stop messing around with the clocks. Also hated that it was so dark so early today.

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 30/10/2023 19:48

I hate it and don’t understand why we do it.

SplendidUtterly · 30/10/2023 19:49

Not long now until it is completly dark at 4pm.
I hate it 😔

Nopenopenopenopenopenope · 30/10/2023 19:52

This is the correct time! I wish they'd not change it in spring and stop messing everyone up twice a year.

RampantIvy · 30/10/2023 19:52

And does anyone have any tips for dealing with this?

The many winter lovers on MN will tell you to drink hot chocolate, snuggle under a blanket and be cosy in front of the fire and candle light.

I can't wait until dayight hours start lengthening again.

BorgQueen · 30/10/2023 19:53

I’m the complete opposite, I sleep far better once the clocks go back. I feel hideously jet lagged all Summer.

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 30/10/2023 19:55

No, I find it harder when we lose an hour and it's light in the evenings. It feels confusing to my body, wanting to sleep when it's still daylight (I go to bed at 9pm as I'm up early) and my insomnia tends to improve in winter months.

I LOVE the dark evenings, and it not being sweaty and hot. I feel so much better once the clocks go back.

PictureOfFlorianTray · 30/10/2023 19:57

Maybe see a doctor?

RampantIvy · 30/10/2023 19:58

I don't know why we continue with BST to be honest. It was started in 1916 to help the war effort.

Didimum · 30/10/2023 19:58

I read an article, think it was BBC, about how the clock changes are really bad for people’s well-being. From physical illness and mental health to serious things like increased reported heart attacks and car crashes.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 30/10/2023 19:59

Topofthemountain · 30/10/2023 19:09

I cope better with this change than with losing an hour in Spring. However I am off work this week so that eases it somewhat.

Same for me. I really struggle when they go forwards. I dread it so much.

Livedandlearned · 30/10/2023 20:01

This is really interesting, it doesn't seem to affect me at all.

I did feel as though yesterday was the longest day ever though.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/10/2023 20:01

My children have coped fine with this clock change but I have not. I feel like death today and my eyes are gritty and stinging from being so tired. Might be because I’m 17 weeks pregnant as well but it hit particularly hard after the clocks changed.

Delatron · 30/10/2023 20:01

Dark evenings may help people
sleep but let’s be honest nobody is going to bed at 4pm? Surely if it gets dark from 8.30 that’s sufficient? I can’t see how this much darkness is welcome. I can’t even walk the dog in the evening now or go for a run. Boo.

ElaineMBenes · 30/10/2023 20:04

RampantIvy · 30/10/2023 19:52

And does anyone have any tips for dealing with this?

The many winter lovers on MN will tell you to drink hot chocolate, snuggle under a blanket and be cosy in front of the fire and candle light.

I can't wait until dayight hours start lengthening again.

But clearly that works for some people.
Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you should be an arse to those that do!

I happen to love this time of year and hate spring but I'm not being condescending to those that think differently 🙄