As the seasons change, so do our clocks. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that involves setting the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and setting them back by one hour in the fall. This small adjustment can have a big impact on our mood and well-being. Many people report feeling sad or even depressed when the clocks change, and this phenomenon has been studied by researchers to understand why it happens.
One reason why people feel sad when the clocks change is due to the disruption of their circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is our body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, hormone levels, and other physiological processes. When we suddenly lose an hour of sleep in the spring when the clocks are set forward, it can throw off our circadian rhythm and lead to symptoms of sleep deprivation such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. This can contribute to feelings of sadness and overall low mood.
Another factor that may contribute to feeling sad when the clocks change is the decrease in exposure to natural light. In the fall, when clocks are set back and the days become shorter, we have fewer hours of daylight to enjoy. Natural light is essential for maintaining our mood and energy levels, as it helps regulate our production of serotonin and melatonin, two neurotransmitters that play a role in mood and sleep. When we have less sunlight exposure, our levels of serotonin may drop, leading to feelings of sadness or even seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some individuals.