Have you ever contemplated the times when you are most likely to experience elevated or diminished moods? A recent study provides some insights into this matter. The findings indicate that mornings are associated with our most positive moods, while midnight tends to be when we feel our lowest. Additionally, mental health is influenced by seasonal changes and the day of the week, with winter and midweek presenting more challenges to our well-being. Researchers suggest that our biological rhythms and daily habits significantly contribute to these variations, which may inform the development of improved mental health services.

What are the best and worst times for your mental health?

A comprehensive study published on February 5 in BMJ Mental Health indicates that individuals generally experience their best mental state in the morning, with significant fluctuations in mental health and well-being observed throughout the day. The research shows that mood typically peaks shortly after waking and gradually declines, reaching its nadir around midnight. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the impact of the day of the week and seasonal changes on these mood variations.

While mental health can fluctuate over both short and extended periods, there has been limited research on its daily variations. The researchers note that earlier studies often focused on small or specific populations. To address this gap, they investigated how the time of day affects mental health, including aspects such as depression and anxiety symptoms, happiness, life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and feelings of loneliness. They also assessed whether these patterns varied according to the day, season, or year.

What the data revealed

The study analyzed data from the University College London COVID-19 Social Study, which commenced in March 2020. This study involved ongoing monitoring until November 2021, with continued data collection extending to March 2022.

The analysis of the data indicated a distinct pattern in self-reported mental health and well-being throughout the day. Individuals generally reported their highest levels of well-being upon waking, characterized by minimal depressive and anxiety symptoms, reduced feelings of loneliness, and elevated happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose. Conversely, by midnight, their mood tended to decline to its lowest levels.

The influence of the day of the week on mental health exhibited less uniformity, with greater fluctuations in well-being observed during weekends compared to weekdays. Notably, happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose were reported to be higher on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays, with happiness reaching its peak on Tuesdays. However, feelings of loneliness remained relatively stable across the various days of the week.

How seasons affect mental health

Regarding the impact of seasons on mental health, the study identified a significant seasonal effect on mood. In comparison to winter, individuals generally reported fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower levels of loneliness, and increased happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose during other seasons. Summer emerged as the most favorable season for mental health across all evaluated measures. Nevertheless, the season did not appear to affect the daily fluctuations in mental health.

Mental health and well-being have shown a consistent improvement since 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to note that this observational study does not establish causation, and various factors such as the timing of questionnaire completion, sleep patterns, weather conditions, and geographical location may have influenced the findings.

Role of biological rhythms in mood changes

The researchers propose that fluctuations in mental health throughout the day may be associated with the body's biological rhythms, particularly cortisol levels, which are highest shortly after waking and decrease by the time one goes to bed. They observe that the variations between weekdays and weekends could be attributed to differing daily routines, as physiological processes generally remain consistent across these days.

The researchers expressed surprise at the stable patterns of mental health and well-being observed throughout the day, irrespective of the season, given that seasonal mood variations are often correlated with the amount of daylight. They propose that additional factors, including weather conditions (such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity) and sociocultural elements (like holidays, cultural practices, and work schedules), may also play a role in seasonal mood changes.

The implications of this study are significant for public health and service provision. The researchers emphasize that mental health is typically at its lowest around midnight, during the middle of the week, and in winter, which should be considered when organizing services and allocating resources.

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