The adage “everything will be OK in the morning” might hold more scientific weight than previously thought, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL). This research, analyzing data from nearly 50,000 adults participating in the UCL Covid-19 Social Study, revealed a distinct pattern in self-reported well-being, with individuals generally experiencing peak positive affect in the morning hours and during the summer months, while negative affect tended to peak around midnight and during the winter. This cyclical pattern suggests a strong correlation between our internal biological clocks and our emotional state, offering potential insights into how we can optimize mental health support and resources.
The study, which tracked participants for two years starting in March 2020, measured self-reported levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and feelings of worthwhileness. Interestingly, these positive emotions were found to be higher on Mondays and Fridays compared to Sundays, with happiness also showing an uptick on Tuesdays. While the study did not find a significant variation in feelings of loneliness across the week, the fluctuations in positive affect suggest a potential influence of the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates various physiological processes. The researchers propose that hormonal shifts, such as the daily fluctuation of cortisol levels, may contribute to these observed patterns. Cortisol, a hormone involved in regulating mood, motivation, and stress responses, typically peaks shortly after waking and gradually declines throughout the day, reaching its lowest point around bedtime.
While the correlation between time of day and well-being appears strong, the researchers acknowledge the potential for bias in self-reporting. Dr. Feifei Bu, of UCL’s department of behavioural science, cautioned that individuals who already feel better in the morning might be more inclined to participate in the survey during those hours, potentially skewing the data. However, if these findings are validated by further research, they could have significant implications for the delivery of mental health services. Dr. Bu suggests that adjusting resources to align with the fluctuating needs throughout the day, such as prioritizing late-night support availability, could potentially enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions.
This study reinforces the growing body of evidence highlighting the profound influence of our circadian rhythms on various aspects of our physical and mental health. Understanding these natural rhythms can empower us to make informed choices about how we structure our days and allocate resources to support our well-being. While the study primarily focuses on the diurnal variations in mood, the observation that well-being also peaks during the summer months suggests a broader interplay between environmental factors and our emotional state. Further research exploring the specific mechanisms underlying these seasonal variations could provide valuable insights into preventing and managing mood disorders.
Although the study did not specifically investigate interventions to improve well-being, the findings underscore the importance of aligning our lifestyles with our natural circadian rhythms. Practices such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exposing ourselves to natural daylight, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction can help optimize our internal clock and potentially improve our overall mood and well-being. Furthermore, the study’s suggestion of tailoring mental health support to match the fluctuating needs throughout the day could lead to more personalized and effective interventions.
In conclusion, the UCL study provides compelling evidence for the cyclical nature of our well-being, highlighting the influence of both our internal biological clock and external environmental factors. While further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of these factors, the findings offer valuable insights into how we can better support our mental health. By acknowledging the natural fluctuations in our mood and adapting our lifestyles and support systems accordingly, we can potentially enhance our overall well-being and navigate the challenges of daily life with greater resilience. The study’s focus on adapting mental health services to address the fluctuating needs throughout the day represents a promising avenue for improving the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health care.
