Winter is coming: How to handle the upcoming clock change

This weekend marks the official end of daylight saving time in the Netherlands. At 03:00 on Sunday morning, the clocks will be turned back to 02:00, effectively granting the entire country an extra hour of sleep. While most people look forward to the promise of a restful morning, parents of young children often view this biannual event with a sense of dread. The sudden shift in time can throw a delicate biological rhythm into total disarray.

The struggle with internal clocks

Child sleep expert Susanne Willekes notes that children rely heavily on their internal body clocks and established routines to feel secure. Even a subtle change of one hour can lead to early wake-up times and general fussiness throughout the day. When the clock jumps back, a child who usually wakes up at 07:00 will naturally want to start their day at 06:00. This disruption is compounded by the fact that the shift affects the entire family schedule, including nap times and evening meals.

To manage this, experts suggest shifting a child's bedtime by fifteen minutes each night leading up to the change. By gradually adjusting the schedule rather than forcing a cold turkey transition, the body has time to adapt. Maintaining consistent cues like dimming the lights, white noise, or specific bedtime stories can also help anchor the child during the transition period.

The secret is to not force the change in a single day but to guide your child slowly over the course of the week.

That advice is offered by Willekes to parents feeling overwhelmed by the adjustment. She emphasizes that patience is the most important tool in any parent's kit during this time. While the transition may cause a few days of fatigue, the body is highly adaptable and will usually sync with the new time within a week.

Impact on your daily life

For the broader expat community, the clock change is a gentle reminder that the long, bright evenings of summer have officially ended. You will notice the sun setting significantly earlier, which can influence your commute and social plans. While this shift does not directly impact visa statuses, taxes, or healthcare access, it serves as a good moment to review your winter preparations for the colder months ahead. You can find more updates on how the season changes impact the country in our Weather section.

If you find yourself struggling with the adjustment, remember that the phenomenon is universal across the Netherlands. Most businesses and public institutions are well prepared for the transition, so your commute or office hours should remain stable. It is worth double checking that any manual clocks or older appliances in your home are updated properly to avoid confusion on Monday morning.

Ultimately, take advantage of the extra hour to catch up on rest before the darker winter months truly settle in. Whether you have children or are simply a light sleeper, treating the next few days with a bit of extra grace will help ensure the transition is smooth. Before you know it, your internal clock will be perfectly aligned with the new reality of the season.