Welcome to the April issue of Soltalk. Well how lovely the clocks have gone forward so our evenings are longer, I just wish they would keep them this way all year round. Every year,

the clock change causes discussion as to whether we should continue the practice. Some welcome the change, but there can be negative effects.

Researchers suggest that changing the clocks can have a serious effect on our health because it disrupts our circadian rhythms. These are physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and regulate things like alertness, sleepiness and appetite. These processes tend to be aligned with the cycle of day and night.

According to research, moving our clocks forward or back by an hour can disturb these natural rhythms – leading to several health issues. The clocks changing can also affect our sleep, which in turn can affect our mood and ability to concentrate. The disruption can lead to insomnia or interrupted sleep.

Although these problems are usually short lived – it can make us feel tired. This tiredness may lead to accidents. A study published in 2020 of 732,000 car accidents over 20 years

found that the annual switch to Daylight Saving Time is associated with a 6% increase in fatal car crashes in the week after the clocks change. Be careful out there!

All of us at Soltalk would like to wish you a happy St George’s day on April 23rd which is also National Shakespeare Day – celebrated on the date of his birth and death. And we hope you all enjoy this issue of Soltalk whatever time you read it.

SARAH BROOKES