Morning Boost: Study Reveals Mental Health Peaks at Dawn and Dips at Midnight

A comprehensive study led by University College London (UCL) has found compelling evidence that mental health and wellbeing fluctuate throughout the day, with people generally feeling better in the morning and worse at night. Published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, the study explores how mental health dynamics are not static but vary based on the time of day, the day of the week, and even the season. The research also suggests that mental health is typically more varied on weekends, while it remains steadier during the weekdays.

The study draws from the UCL Covid-19 social study, which began in March 2020 and involved tracking nearly 50,000 adults over two years, collecting almost a million survey responses. Participants were asked a series of questions about their mental health, happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose, such as, “In the past week, how happy did you feel?” and “How satisfied have you been with your life?” These responses were analyzed in relation to various factors, including age, health conditions, employment status, and more.

Key Findings from the UCL Study

1. Time of Day Influence: The research shows that mental health tends to be best in the morning and worsens as the day progresses, with midnight marking the lowest point. This trend is consistent across a variety of mental health measures, including life satisfaction, happiness, and feelings of worth. The researchers suggest that these variations could be influenced by physiological changes associated with the body’s internal clock, such as cortisol levels, which peak shortly after waking and are at their lowest around bedtime.
2. Day of the Week Impact: The study also revealed that people generally felt happier and more satisfied with their lives on Mondays and Fridays, compared to Sundays. Tuesdays also showed slightly higher happiness levels than other days. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in loneliness levels across the days of the week, although the mental health variations were more pronounced during weekends.
3. Seasonal Variations: A clear seasonal influence on mental health was found. People reported lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and felt less lonely during the warmer seasons of spring and summer compared to winter. Happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of life being worthwhile were all notably higher in the summer. These seasonal patterns were consistent across different times of the day.
4. Weekend vs. Weekday Patterns: The study found that mental health and wellbeing were more variable during weekends, with a noticeable dip in satisfaction on Sundays. This could be due to the differing routines between weekdays and weekends. During the week, the structure of daily activities might provide a sense of purpose and control, while weekends could introduce more unstructured time, leading to changes in mental health.

Why Does Mental Health Fluctuate Throughout the Day?

While the study is observational and cannot definitively establish cause and effect, several possible explanations are provided. The body’s circadian rhythms and associated hormonal changes, such as the fluctuation of cortisol levels, may contribute to the changes in mental health over the course of the day. Additionally, the timing of when individuals participate in the surveys could be a factor. Those who feel better in the morning may be more likely to engage with the survey at that time, introducing a potential bias.

Researchers also hypothesize that the different types of activities people engage in during the day, particularly the contrast between the structured routines of weekdays and the more leisurely or unplanned nature of weekends, could influence mental wellbeing.

Implications for Mental Health Research and Support

The study’s findings have significant implications for both mental health research and practical mental health support. If the observed patterns are confirmed in further research, mental health support services may consider adjusting their resources to align with fluctuating needs throughout the day. For example, prioritizing late-night availability or ensuring there are mental health resources available during lower periods of wellbeing could help address the varying levels of need.

Furthermore, mental health researchers investigating wellbeing should consider the time of day at which people respond to surveys. Recognizing that people’s mental health can be better or worse at different times of day could improve the accuracy and relevance of future studies.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

The study’s observational nature means it cannot definitively establish cause-and-effect relationships between the time of day and mental health. Factors such as sleep cycles, latitude, and weather were not accounted for in the study, which could also influence the results. The researchers acknowledge that these elements may play a role in shaping how mental health fluctuates throughout the day and across seasons.

Dr. Feifei Bu, from UCL’s Department of Behavioural Science and Health, emphasized the need for further research to replicate the findings and account for potential biases in survey response timing. If these findings are validated, they could pave the way for more nuanced approaches to mental health care, including targeted support during times of day when people are most vulnerable.

The UCL study offers valuable insights into how mental health and wellbeing vary throughout the day, week, and year. By revealing that people generally feel better in the morning and worse at night, and that mental health is subject to seasonal and weekly rhythms, the study highlights the complex, dynamic nature of wellbeing. These findings underscore the importance of considering the time of day when providing mental health support and may lead to more tailored, effective interventions for individuals in need of help.

As our understanding of mental health continues to evolve, future research will hopefully build upon these findings, offering more precise recommendations for improving mental health care and helping individuals navigate the fluctuating landscape of their emotional and psychological well-being.