Recent discussions around British Summer Time (BST) have intensified following comments from the US president-elect, who labeled the practice of shifting clocks forward in spring as "inconvenient" and "costly." This has reignited debates about the efficacy and necessity of daylight saving time, prompting various stakeholders to reassess its impact on daily life and energy consumption. Additionally, a study highlighting potential new treatments for sleep disorders has drawn attention to the effects of time changes on sleep patterns, further fueling the conversation around BST.
British Summer Time is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the warmer months, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. This system was first introduced in the UK in 1916 as a measure to conserve fuel during World War I. The rationale behind BST is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting and saving energy. While it has its proponents, BST has faced criticism for its impact on health, productivity, and overall well-being, leading to ongoing debates about its relevance in modern society.