Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’re diving into how daylight saving impacts our bodies and health. Today, on April 6, 2025, daylight saving ends in New Zealand. This change gives us an extra hour of sleep, which many people welcome. However, it also brings shifts that affect us more than we might think. Our team has explored this topic to bring you clear, simple insights. So, let’s unpack what happens to our bodies and minds when the clocks change.

Daylight saving has been part of New Zealand life since 1927. George Hudson, a Kiwi entomologist, first suggested it. He wanted more evening light to collect insects. Over time, the idea stuck, and now we adjust our clocks twice a year. In spring, we move them forward one hour. Then, in autumn, like now, we turn them back. This weekend, we shift from New Zealand Daylight Time to New Zealand Standard Time. Most phones update automatically, but some clocks need a manual tweak. Either way, the change is simple enough. Yet, its effects on our health are not always so straightforward.

Firstly, let’s talk about sleep. When clocks go back, we gain an hour. This sounds great, and for many, it feels like a bonus rest. However, our bodies run on an internal clock called the circadian rhythm. This rhythm follows light and dark patterns. Normally, sunlight tells us when to wake up and wind down. But daylight saving messes with that. Even a one-hour shift can throw things off. For example, going to bed at your usual time might feel different tomorrow. Your body might not be ready to sleep yet. Or, you might wake up feeling groggy. Experts say it can take a few days—or even weeks—for us to adjust fully.

Moreover, this disruption affects more than just tiredness. Studies show that changing the clocks can impact our hearts. After the spring shift, when we lose an hour, heart attack risks sometimes rise. The autumn change, like now, is gentler. Still, any tweak to our sleep can stress our bodies. Doctors explain that our heart relies on steady rhythms. When sleep gets choppy, stress hormones spike. This can raise blood pressure briefly. For most people, this isn’t a big deal. But for those with heart issues, it’s worth noting. So, while we enjoy that extra hour, our bodies quietly work to catch up.

Next, let’s consider mental health. Darkness comes earlier after this weekend. Evenings will feel shorter, and mornings will brighten sooner. For some, this lifts their mood. Early sunlight helps our brains feel awake and happy. It boosts a chemical called serotonin, which keeps us cheerful. However, others struggle with less evening light. Seasonal depression can creep in during winter months. The clock change doesn’t cause this alone, but it plays a part. If you feel down as days shorten, you’re not alone. Experts suggest getting outside in the morning to balance this. A quick walk can make a difference.

Children and teens feel these shifts too. Their bodies are extra sensitive to change. Teenagers already have delayed sleep patterns because of hormones. They naturally stay up later and sleep in. Daylight saving can make this worse. When clocks go back, school mornings might feel easier for a bit. But the darker evenings can confuse their rhythms further. Parents might notice grumpiness or trouble focusing. Kids, meanwhile, might bounce around with extra energy at bedtime. Adjusting takes time, and patience helps. A steady routine can smooth things out for them.

Animals don’t escape this either. Pets and farm animals follow their own clocks. Dogs might paw at you for breakfast earlier than the new time. Cows on farms don’t care about our schedules—they want milking when they’re ready. Farmers often say daylight saving throws their routines off. One Southland dairy farmer, Jason Herrick, once told us cows dislike disruption. Their milk production can dip slightly until they adapt. So, while we humans tweak our clocks, nature sticks to its own beat. This clash shows how wide-reaching the change is.

Energy use ties into this story too. Daylight saving started partly to save power. Longer evenings in summer mean fewer lights switched on. In autumn, like now, mornings brighten earlier. This can cut electricity use a little. However, the savings aren’t huge anymore. Modern life—with heaters, gadgets, and late-night habits—dilutes the effect. Some argue it’s not worth the hassle. Others enjoy the extra daylight for fun or work. Either way, the energy angle still shapes why we keep doing it. New Zealanders mostly support it, so the tradition rolls on.

Now, let’s look at safety. Darker evenings can affect driving. After the clocks go back, sunset creeps earlier. This might mean more people drive home in twilight. Studies link time changes to small spikes in accidents. Tiredness and low light play a role. However, brighter mornings can help. Kids walking to school get more visibility. Fire and Emergency New Zealand also chime in here. They remind us to check smoke alarms when clocks change. Winter brings more house fires from heaters, so it’s a smart tie-in. A quick test could save lives.

Health experts offer tips to ease the shift. Gradually tweak your sleep schedule before the change. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night this week. This softens the jolt. Also, soak up morning light tomorrow. It resets your internal clock. Avoid screens late at night too—blue light tricks your brain into staying awake. Keep your room dark and cool for better rest. These small steps help your body roll with the change. They’re easy to try, and they work for most people. Consistency is key, especially now.

Interestingly, not everyone loves daylight saving. Some want it gone for good. A group called Take Back the Clocks pushes for permanent daylight time. They say it would simplify life—no more clock flips. Others prefer standard time year-round. It aligns better with our natural rhythms. Overseas, the debate grows. The US has a Sunshine Protection Act in the works. Europe voted to ditch clock changes, but it’s not final yet. Here, we stick to the current plan. No review is set, so we’ll keep springing forward and falling back.

For now, the end of daylight saving brings mixed feelings. Businesses in tourist spots, like Te Anau, miss the long summer nights. Visitors linger less when it’s dark early. Meanwhile, farmers cheer the return to standard time. It suits their early starts. Whatever your take, the shift happens tonight. Most of us will enjoy that extra snooze. But our bodies might grumble a bit. Science shows these changes ripple through us—sleep, mood, even appetite. Awareness helps us handle it better.

Finally, let’s wrap this up with a nod to history. George Hudson’s idea from 1895 still shapes our lives. His bug-hunting dream became a national habit. Today, about 70 countries tweak their clocks like us. Those near the equator skip it—their days don’t vary much. New Zealand’s place near the poles makes it useful. We get dramatic seasonal swings, so shifting time makes sense. Yet, as we’ve seen, it’s not just about light. Our health rides along with every tick.

In conclusion, daylight saving’s end tomorrow is more than a clock tweak. It nudges our sleep, hearts, and moods. Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’ve broken it down for you. The extra hour is a treat, but adjusting takes effort. Kids, pets, and even cows feel it too. Safety and energy weave into the mix. Tips like morning walks and screen breaks can help. Whether you love it or loathe it, it’s part of our rhythm. So, tonight, turn those clocks back. Then, rest easy knowing what’s happening inside you. We’ll keep bringing you stories that matter—straight from Wellington to your screen.