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But the clock change also risks putting some pressure on your body and circadian rhythm as it adjusts to its new normal. Here’s what you need to know.
When does daylight saving start in 2025?
Daylight saving time will start on Sunday 5 October at 2am AEST.
Daylight saving time typically starts each year on the first Sunday of October and extends to the first Sunday of April, when clocks are set back one hour.
Wait, are clocks rolling forward or backwards?
But on the other hand, it will mean your mornings will have a lot less light than usual, which could make early morning wake-ups more difficult.
Which states and territories observe daylight saving?
Professor Tim Bedding from the School of Physics at The University of Sydney, who specialises in stellar oscillations, said geography is a key factor in decision-making.
Daylight saving time is not observed in Queensland, Western Australia, or the Northern Territory. Source: SBS News
“The effect of DST becomes less as you move towards the equator, which is presumably why Queensland decided not to adopt daylight saving,” Bedding said.
Once daylight saving time kicks in, Australia goes from having three time zones across the nation to five.
Is daylight saving bad for your body?
“Our internal body clock or 24-hour circadian rhythm will have to adjust to the time shift,” it says on its website. “Although most people will do this without any problem, we do need to be aware that there is an increased chance of sleepiness while the body adjusts to the new time frame.”
A 2024 survey found overwhelming support for daylight saving time across Australia. Source: SBS News
The foundation recommends adjusting your bedtime earlier for three to four nights before the transition, which should help reduce the risk of sleep loss.
Report author and sleep expert emeritus professor Leon Lack said: “Our research suggests that even if the initial transition into DST may present challenges, any negative effects appear to subside within one to three months at the most.”
How can you adjust?
– Start your day with sunlight. Especially in the mornings leading up to and after the clocks move forward.
– Limit afternoon caffeine. Try and avoid coffee or tea after midday so it doesn’t keep you up at night.
– Eat a healthy breakfast and exercise regularly. Breakfast will help reinforce your wake-up time, while regular physical activity (not too late in the day) can promote better sleep.
– Reduce screen time before bed. Put the phone away and dim the lights about two to three hours before bed to support your circadian rhythm.
– Plan for post-daylight saving rest. Expect a slight disruption after the clock change, and if needed, take a 15-minute power nap to recharge.
