{
  "id": 16448640,
  "title": "You gained an hour’s sleep today — 4 ways your energy levels will change this week and how to fix it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/you-gained-an-hours-sleep-today-4-ways-your-energy-levels-will-change",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-25T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/sleep/you-gained-an-hours-sleep-today-4-ways-your-energy-levels-will-change-this-week-and-how-to-fix-it"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The clocks have moved back, but the change may not bring the welcomed energy boost that many expect. While an extra hour of sleep sounds appealing, it can actually disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to a dip in alertness and overall energy levels. Experts Dr Nerina Ramlakhan and Jane Ollis offer advice on how to ease the transition and improve your energy this week.\n\n1. Earlier tiredness: When the clocks change, your brain is still operating on a different schedule, causing you to feel sleepy sooner than usual. Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains that sunlight affects the hypothalamus, which regulates our body clocks, so shorter daylight hours can make you feel more tired. To combat this, embrace sunset and use it as a signal to unwind for the day.\n\n2. Morning energy boost: For the first two weeks after the clock change, many people feel an extra burst of energy in the morning. This is due to increased exposure to morning sunlight, which helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm and triggers the production of hormones like cortisol and serotonin. However, as sunlight hours decrease, you may start to feel a decline in energy levels and enthusiasm.\n\n3. Afternoon energy slump: The lack of natural daylight during the day can lead to a drop in mood, energy, and cognitive performance. The reduced serotonin levels resulting from less sunlight can make you feel sluggish and irritable. If you find yourself reaching for extra cups of coffee during the afternoon slump, it's a clear sign that your body is adjusting to the change in daylight hours.\n\n4. Mood dip: Shorter daylight hours can affect your mood, with some people experiencing even more pronounced changes. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as circadian depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The decrease in serotonin and melatonin levels due to reduced daylight can contribute to feelings of low mood and increased fatigue. If you notice persistent changes in your mood or mental health, it's essential to consult your GP for support.",
  "summary": "Experts share the simple, everyday changes you can make to feel more energised, improve your mood and sleep better as the darker days set in.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}