Clocks change: How to catch up on your rest tonight after missing an hour of sleep

Leslie Kenny shares methods to enhance sleep quality
GB News
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 30/03/2025

- 15:54

Updated: 31/03/2025

- 11:16

Britons lost an hour of sleep due to the clocks moving forward for the start of British Summer Time

With the clocks going forward, many of us will have been yawning and weary all day, craving for that extra hour we lost.

Sleep expert at Mattress Next Day Martin Seeley spoke exclusively to GB News about how people can get a "better night's" sleep tonight.


Martin suggested not having your dinner too late as this can have a "big impact on your sleep".

He said: "I would recommend that people bring dinnertime forward by an hour. Having a big meal close to bedtime can keep the body busy digesting food, and that can interrupt your sleep cycle. Also, avoid consuming caffeine for at least eight hours before bed."

Woman sleeping peacefully

'Establish a consistent bedtime and wake time,' the expert advised

GETTY

Before going to bed, a hot drink can have a "soothing effect" on the body, which tells the "nervous system to wind down".

Martin explained: "Your body temperature will cool after you have finished your drink, and that mimics your body’s response when you sleep.

"Maybe start by dimming lights, listening to relaxing music, or perhaps meditating. Over time, your brain recognises these cues and realises it’s time for sleep."

The key is to influence your circadian rhythm, "which is why having a routine is important for getting good quality sleep".

Martin added: "You should also establish a consistent bedtime and wake time, and try to stick to it, even over the weekends."

How many hours of sleep you need varies with age, but most adults should be aiming for "seven to nine hours".

The expert explained: "Getting less than seven hours of sleep has been linked to diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, and even depression, heart disease, and strokes.

"Sleep is essential for maintaining healthy brain functions, memory consolidation, and physical restoration."

Woman sleeping on a pillow

Establishing a bedtime routine can help you sleep better

GETTY

According to another expert, using an alarm in the evening could help you drift off more easily.

The choices you make every day could improve how well you sleep, according to a nutritionist at BlueIron, Cara Shaw.

She exclusively shared a number of hacks that could make it easier to drift off, including using a "reverse alarm" to help you wind down in the evening.

Cara explained: "Instead of setting an alarm in the morning, set a 'wind-down' alarm in the evening to remind you to switch off screens and start relaxing."