Something strange happens today: one hour of the night simply happens twice.
In the UK, Ireland and across the European Union, clocks go back by one hour in the early hours of Sunday, October 25. At 2:00 AM it becomes 1:00 AM again, and millions of people wake up with an extra hour they never had before.
It is the only day of the year when you can truly say, "I gained time."
Not everyone gets it today
Europe changes first. The USA and Canada follow one week later, on November 1. For seven days, the time gap between London and New York is 4 hours instead of the usual 5, which quietly confuses meetings, flights and family video calls around the world.
And many countries never change their clocks at all, including Thailand, Laos, Japan, China and India. For them, time just keeps flowing the same way all year.
The catch: darker evenings
The extra morning light is nice, but sunset also arrives an hour earlier. Studies have linked the weeks after the change with more traffic accidents because of reduced visibility at rush hour. If you drive or cycle, take extra care this week.
5 ways to use your extra hour
Sleep in. You earned it.
Call someone you miss.
Start the project you keep postponing.
Go outside for the morning light.
Do nothing, on purpose.
Your turn
Be honest: what are you doing with your free hour? Sleeping, scrolling, or finally starting something new? Tell me in the comments, and if this made you smile, an upvote would mean a lot!