Five sleeping tips for when the clocks go back

And why we do it

Adam Saville
clock • 4 min read

Some tips to help you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer once the clocks go back this Sunday

The clocks go back on Sunday 27 October, as the days feel shorter and the mornings get darker. While this might seem like a drag - although many of us welcome the extra hour of bed - there are multiple reasons for it. Originally dreamed up (excuse the pun) by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to save candles, the practice was particularly useful during the First World War to encourage productivity and the extra daylight still benefits farmers today. Sleep experts, meanwhile, believe that the time change creates a sudden shift in daylight exposure which helps us maintain a 24/7 circadian bo...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Three quarters of employees cut healthcare spend: Health Shield

Three quarters of employees cut healthcare spend: Health Shield

Cost of living pressures

Jaskeet Briah
clock 01 June 2026 • 2 min read
Employees uncomfortable discussing mental health: Vitality

Employees uncomfortable discussing mental health: Vitality

5% willing to speak to line manager

Cameron Roberts
clock 29 May 2026 • 1 min read
NHS delays impacting employees: Health Shield

NHS delays impacting employees: Health Shield

53% of employees impacted

Cameron Roberts
clock 11 May 2026 • 2 min read