Finland prepares for winter time transition as families adjust sleep schedules

Finland will transition to winter time this upcoming night as clocks are set back an hour early Sunday morning. This change may result in families waking up an hour earlier, especially affecting households with children, who could experience early mornings next week.

Research professor Timo Partonen from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare shares tips to ease this transition. Firstly, he suggests increasing afternoon physical activity for children, as this can lead to natural fatigue come bedtime, helping them fall asleep more easily. If early mornings become a problem, extending evening activities may allow children to sleep in slightly longer, although he cautions against consistently delaying bedtime, as adequate sleep is essential for children.

Partonen emphasizes the importance of winding down each evening and not scheduling a tight agenda until bedtime, as relaxation promotes sleep. Typically, the body adjusts to a new rhythm within a couple of weeks. As winter time begins, mornings may become a bit brighter, which can facilitate better sleep.

Families have varied opinions about this time change. Some express concerns about their children waking up even earlier, while others believe children adapt within a week. Many agree, however, that a permanent time shift would be beneficial. Partonen also advises families to ensure they are allocating enough time for sleep, noting that children require different amounts based on their age. Regular sleep patterns are vital for overall health.