When the clocks go back on Sunday 26 October, many people will relish the chance of an extra hour in bed. But for employees who are naturally late sleepers, the seasonal change may deepen sleep disruption, lower productivity and raise health risks, according to new analysis by health insurer Bupa UK.
The organisation examined Google searches between January 2022 and January 2025 and found a sharp rise in queries linked to poor sleep and late-night habits. Searches for “bedtime foods for better sleep” rose 88-fold, while “late night snacks for high cholesterol” increased 14 times. The number of people searching “unable to sleep through the night” grew seven-fold.
The trends, experts suggest, signal a rise in night owl behaviour that is already associated with higher risk of diabetes, inactivity and poor mental health. With darker mornings arriving after the clocks go back, staff who are more alert in the evening may find themselves misaligned with conventional schedules and in greater need of workplace support.
Rising Health Concerns
Night owls often thrive in creative or problem-solving roles, with research showing stronger performance in some cognitive tests. But the health trade-offs are significant. A large-scale study found that those who stay up late are 72 percent more likely to develop diabetes than early risers. They are also more likely to be overweight, less physically active and prone to long-term conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Bupa UK noted that night owls also miss out on morning routines that benefit wellbeing, such as exercise or a healthy breakfast. Employees may instead rush to work without eating, later resorting to convenience foods high in sugar, which cause an initial boost of energy followed by a slump.
Mental health is another concern, with evidence showing that night owls are more likely to develop depression and anxiety.
The Challenge of Seasonal Change
Daylight saving time creates an abrupt change that can compound existing difficulties. Employees whose body clocks are tuned to later hours may find it harder to adjust to earlier starts, particularly as darker mornings make waking more difficult. A poor night’s sleep before work can have immediate effects on concentration and output, and the problem may persist for days after the clocks change.
The disruption is not confined to October. Experts warn that repeated transitions in spring and autumn resemble a form of “social jetlag”, placing sustained strain on employees’ sleep cycles. For organisations, the result can be fatigue, reduced alertness and higher levels of presenteeism.
Employers Urged to Act
Rex Fan, Lead Behavioural Insights Specialist at Bupa UK, said managers should not underestimate the impact of seasonal change on staff who are already late sleepers. He argued that policies, communication and wellbeing measures can all play a role in reducing risks and keeping employees engaged.
Fan advised organisations to ensure sickness absence and flexible working policies are clear and up to date, and to check guidance on reasonable adjustments. He noted that while not every request can be met, having fair processes in place helps staff feel supported.
He also said that structuring the working day with late risers in mind could make a difference. Meetings and critical tasks may be better scheduled later in the morning or afternoon, when employees are more likely to feel alert.
Workplace benefits should also be promoted more actively, Fan suggested, including employee assistance programmes, confidential listening services and health assessments. He said these resources can ease stress, improve mental wellbeing and prevent longer-term absence.
Regular communication between managers and staff is another area of focus. Fan said supportive conversations allow issues to be spotted earlier, while advice from HR or occupational health can guide managers on appropriate responses.
Fan also pointed to the emerging role of genomics in understanding health risks, noting that genetic testing could identify predispositions to conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Encouraging healthy routines at work, from taking lunch breaks to sharing nutritious snacks, could also build resilience during seasonal changes.
Building a Supportive Culture
The return to Greenwich Mean Time brings a reminder that employees operate on different biological schedules. For some, the extra hour in bed will pass unnoticed, but for others it can destabilise routines, impair health and dent workplace performance.
Observers say the challenge for employers is to balance fairness with flexibility, ensuring that night owls are not disadvantaged by structural schedules that clash with their natural rhythm. Adjustments in working hours, greater promotion of wellbeing programmes and stronger workplace communication can help reduce risks, protect productivity and support long-term health.
As clocks move back this October, organisations are being urged to recognise that seasonal disruption is more than a minor inconvenience. For night owls, it can be a turning point for wellbeing at work.