Copyright dailyrecord
The clocks are set to turn back by one hour across the UK this weekend, which means evenings will become darker much sooner as autumn draws to a close and winter takes hold. While many people look forward to that precious extra hour in bed, the change can significantly affect children and their behaviour . Jo, a certified professional hypnotherapist and coach from Walker's Therapy , regularly posts advice and guidance on social media to help people and parents "unlock their true potential" and create "positive changes" in their lives. In a recent TikTok clip, the expert highlighted the adverse effects that turning the clocks back might have on certain children. The tradition of setting clocks back signals the end of British Summer Time (BST) as we revert to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) . This autumn, clocks will be turned back one hour on Sunday, October 26 at 2am. Although some find the earlier darkness challenging, especially as we're naturally losing approximately four minutes of daylight each evening, the clock change is designed to maximise morning light during the gloomy winter months. This proves especially beneficial in Scotland, where cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh typically don't see sunrise until roughly 8.45am GMT near the end of December, which would be 9.45am if we maintained British Summer Time. Jo was eager to assist parents in reducing the adverse effects that putting the clocks back can have on children. In the TikTok video, the expert included text, stating: "Why the clock change can cause chaos for kids (and how to help)." Speaking directly to the camera, Jo said: "The clocks go back this weekend and if your kids suddenly stop sleeping, melting down or just seeming 'off', that's not coincidence - that's circadian chaos." The specialist went on: "Our body clocks, or circadian rhythms, are finely tuned to light, timing, and routine. Even an hour shift can throw off hormone cycles, appetite, mood and sleep - especially in children, whose nervous systems are still developing." Jo explained the marginally brighter mornings and significantly darker evenings can cause melatonin, the hormone controlling sleep, to become "really confused." This can result in some kids waking earlier, fighting their bedtime, or finding it difficult to manage their emotions. Jo offered advice on how to minimise this impact. In the caption, the specialist noted: "The clocks go back this weekend and kids feel it more than we realise. It's not 'just an hour' - it's a shift in their circadian rhythm, which affects sleep, emotions, and behaviour." Here's what helps: She then added: "It's not defiance - it's biology. Be gentle while their body clock catches up." The post sparked a flurry of responses from followers. One person said: "I think it's time we stopped all this clock changing business!" Another said: "The same week as half term too! The first few mornings after half term are going to be a nightmare!" A third commented: "It's ridiculous for me, let alone my children!! Your advice is so so needed Jo!"
