Study says most people feel better in morning! Do you?
What's the story
A new study by University College London (UCL) has found that people tend to feel better in the morning.
The research, published in BMJ Mental Health, indicates that mental health and well-being are at their worst around midnight.
The researchers examined nearly 1 million survey responses from nearly 50,000 adults collected between March 2020 and March 2022.
"People's mental health and wellbeing are better in the morning and worst at midnight," said UCL's Dr. Feifei Bu.
Mood patterns
Weekdays and seasons impact mood, study finds
The UCL study also noted that happiness and life satisfaction were higher on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays, with a significant peak on Tuesdays.
Seasonal changes also affected mood, with mental health outcomes being best in summer.
However, these seasonal effects did not change the daily mood patterns observed.
The researchers proposed that physiological changes associated with the body clock could explain these weekly and yearly mood variations.
Night owls beware!
Late-night mood drops are real
If you often find yourself feeling down at night, you're not alone.
The UCL study confirms that mental well-being is at its lowest around midnight.
Experts suggest that reduced exposure to natural light, increased screen time, and disrupted sleep cycles could be contributing factors.
Aligning your schedule with natural circadian rhythms—waking up earlier and reducing late-night activities—might be the key to improving your overall mood.
What's the Secret
The science behind morning happiness
Why are mornings the golden hours for mental health?
Researchers believe it's linked to the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which regulates hormones like cortisol and serotonin.
These "feel-good" chemicals are naturally higher in the morning, giving you an energy and mood boost.
Pairing this with morning exercise and sunlight exposure can amplify the effect, making your mornings even happier.
Behind the science
How to make most of your mood peaks and slumps
Your mood isn't just random—it follows a predictable cycle!
With mental well-being peaking in the morning and dipping at night, scheduling important tasks earlier in the day could boost productivity and happiness.
If you struggle with nighttime gloom, try a relaxing evening routine—dim the lights, limit screen time, and engage in calming activities like reading or meditation.
Small tweaks to your schedule can make a big difference!