Feeling Good in the Morning and Sad at Night? Here's Why

Our mental health fluctuates throughout the day, according to a recent study conducted by the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of London. The study shows that people generally feel better in the morning, with fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem. In contrast, in the later evening hours, most people's mental state is not as good.

The researchers used data from 49,218 individuals surveyed more than ten times between March 2020 and March 2022. The findings indicate that mental health and general well-being improve in the morning, with a decrease in depression levels and an increase in life satisfaction. However, the study does not determine whether the time of day is the main factor, as other factors, such as the time individuals chose to respond to the surveys, may influence.

The researchers argue that it's important to understand the impact of the time of day on mental health, as this could help in directing mental health support resources. There may be a place to offer tailored responses for later hours, given the increased need for emotional support during the evening.

On the other hand, experts note that the findings show resolving emotional issues might be more effective during the late morning hours when mood is more stable. Afternoon is when cortisol levels - the stress hormone - are lower, but there is also a risk of mental fatigue. Therefore, the late morning is considered the ideal time to tackle emotional challenges.