That lost hour on the first Sunday of October is deceptively tough. Daylight saving began on 4 October for NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, and if you're still feeling a bit foggy, your body clock simply hasn't caught up yet. The good news is that a few gentle habits can speed things along.
Why One Hour Feels Like Jet Lag
Your internal clock runs on light and routine. Move the clocks and suddenly 10pm feels like 9pm, so you're not tired when you "should" be, and the alarm drags you out of deep sleep. Children and anyone with an already fragile sleep pattern often feel it the most.
Shift Gradually, Not All at Once
Move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes each night until you're on track. Pair it with a consistent wake time, even on weekends, because that's what anchors your rhythm.
Use Light as Your Tool
Open the curtains and get outside within an hour of waking. In the evening, dim the lights and put screens away earlier. A calming scent can help signal that the day is done, and our Aromatherapy collection includes lavender and sleep blends for the pillow or diffuser.
Build a Wind-Down Ritual With Herbal Tea
A warm, caffeine-free cup is one of the simplest cues for your body to slow down. There's a lovely range to explore in our Tea collection and Herbal Tea collection:
- Pukka Organic Night Time, a soothing blend made for evenings
- Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime, a classic chamomile-led favourite
- Yogi Bedtime Herbal Tea for a spiced, comforting cup
- Planet Organic Valerian Root Loose Leaf if you prefer to blend your own
- Ministry of Tea's The Big Sleep for an Aussie-made option
Consider Mineral and Herbal Support
Some people also reach for Nature's Sunshine Valerian Root or Ritua Sleep during the adjustment period. Herbal supplements aren't right for everyone, so check with your pharmacist or GP first, especially if you take medication or are pregnant. Our Magnesium collection is another popular evening option.
Help the Kids Adjust Too
Children often resist an earlier bedtime when it's still light outside. Block-out curtains, a predictable bath-and-book routine, and a caffeine-free, kid-friendly warm drink can all help. Keep the evening calm and the schedule steady for a week.
Look After Your Stress Levels
Sleep and stress feed each other. If the time change is leaving you wired and tired, our guide to 6 ways to fight off stress has gentle habits that help. If sleep problems persist beyond a couple of weeks, please see your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to adjust to daylight saving?
Most people adapt within about a week, though it can take longer for children and those with existing sleep difficulties.
What herbal teas help with sleep?
Chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm and passionflower blends are commonly used as part of an evening wind-down routine.
Should I go to bed earlier for daylight saving?
Shifting bedtime earlier by about 15 minutes per night helps your body adjust more gently than switching all at once.
Do Queensland and Western Australia have daylight saving?
No. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.