Why do people's moods fluctuate so much?

New research suggests that people's moods can be significantly influenced by factors such as time of day, day of the week, or season of the year.

The journal BMJ Mental Health recently published a study showing that different times of day or seasons of the year influence people's moods, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, happiness, life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and loneliness.

Research shows that many people feel happier and more satisfied with life on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays.

Scholars analyzed data from the University College London's "Social Study on Covid-19," which included information from 49,218 people, starting in March 2020 and lasting until March 2022. The results showed that people generally wake up in their best spirits in the morning, while their moods are at their lowest around midnight. Even factors like the day of the week and the season of the year had a similar effect.

More specifically, research indicates that mental health fluctuates more on weekends than on weekdays. Happiness and life satisfaction are higher on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays.

Mental health is best in the summer in every respect and worst in the winter. In other seasons, people's levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness tend to be lower. At the same time, levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and a feeling of meaning in life are higher.

Explaining the reasons for the mood swings throughout the day, the researchers said it could be due to physiological changes related to the circadian rhythm. "For example, cortisol peaks right after waking up and reaches its lowest level around bedtime," the research team stated.

As for the main reason for seasonal mood swings, experts suggest it may be due to changes in daylight hours.

By pointing out that people's mental health tends to be at its lowest around midnight, mid-week, and during the winter months, the researchers expect "this needs to be considered when planning service provision and resources."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-tam-trang-con-nguoi-sang-nang-chieu-mua-185250210164902217.htm