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15th October 2025

Autumn Clock Change: How It Affects Sleep for Kids & Adults
by Kiran Shukle

When the clocks go back on Sunday, 26 October, it feels like we’ve gained an extra hour in bed. But for many of us, that small shift in time can throw off our sleep, routines, and energy levels. From restless kids to groggy mornings, here’s what you need to know about the autumn time change – and how to make the transition smoother.

How the Autumn Clock Change Affects Adults

The idea of an extra hour sounds dreamy, but the reality is often different. Here’s what many adults notice when the clocks go back:

  • Disrupted sleep patterns – your body clock doesn’t reset overnight.
  • Feeling sluggish or irritable during the day.
  • A dip in mood as the nights draw in and daylight hours shorten.
  • Reduced focus or energy at work.

What It Means for Children

Parents know that children and sleep routines don’t always go hand in hand – and the clock change makes things trickier. Kids might:

  • Wake up earlier than usual (not ideal on a weekend!).
  • Struggle to settle at bedtime because their body says it’s “too early”.
  • Become a little more cranky, clingy, or hyperactive until their rhythm resets.

Tips to Help Everyone Adjust

Here are some quick, practical ways to ease into the new time:

  • Shift gradually – start moving bedtime 10–15 minutes earlier a few nights before the change.
  • Stick to routines – keep mealtimes, bath time, and bedtime cues consistent.
  • Get outside in the morning – natural light helps reset the body clock.
  • Limit screens at night – the blue light makes it harder to drift off.
  • Watch caffeine – avoid tea, coffee, or energy drinks after mid-afternoon.

Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly

  • Invest in blackout curtains and sleep accessories to keep mornings darker for longer.
  • Keep the room cool – around 16–18°C is ideal for sleep.
  • Declutter to create a calming, restful space.
  • Upgrade your mattress if yours is old or uncomfortable – good support means deeper, better-quality sleep.
  • Consider a divan bed with storage to keep your bedroom neat and clutter-free.

When the clocks go back, it might sound like a bonus hour in bed, but your body (and your kids) may need a few days to catch up. With a bit of planning, small tweaks to your bedtime routine, and a cosy sleep-friendly bedroom, you can make the autumn time change a smooth transition.

Pro Tip

Make the transition when the clocks go back on Sunday, 26 October even smoother with these sleep essentials from Mattresses 365: