Time to get an early night as clocks go forward
As households across the UK prepare to move their clocks forward this weekend, over two-fifths (42%) of Brits admit that losing an hour of sleep affects their concentration levels the next day.
The survey by M&S Car Insurance found that when the clocks go forward at the start of British Summer Time, almost a quarter of women (24%) and just under a fifth of men (18%) feel tired and less able to concentrate the following morning.
Just under half of adults (49%) take two or more days to recover from the clocks going forward and 5% of those surveyed take over a week to stop feeling the affects of losing an hour of sleep.
Late for a very important date:
According to the research 16% of adults in the UK completely forgot to move their clock forward last year.
Almost a quarter (22%) of Brits admit they have been late for work or meeting up with friends or family in the past due to the clocks changing.
Only one in 10 said they go to bed an hour early this time of year, to make sure they don't lose out on a good night's sleep.
David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: "It certainly helps to be prepared for the clocks going forward, but few of us are organised enough, or feel tired enough to go to bed earlier than usual. Our concern is the impact of losing an hour's sleep on concentration, particularly on drivers.
"Being tired and rushing around because you might be late for work or a social event is a dangerous combination when behind the wheel of a car. It could lead to drivers not paying attention to the road, or to other road users."
M&S Car Insurance top tips to a stress free start to British Summer Time:
Change your clocks early the night before, to give your mind and body a chance to adjust
Try to go to bed earlier than normal
Do some exercise in the morning to feel fresh and alert
Take more time and care when driving the next day
Try not to organise anything important the next morning, so if you are running a little late, it doesn't have a negative impact