According to new research, people’s mental health and wellbeing can fluctuate throughout the day. A study analyzing data from 49,218 people found that those generally report better mental health and well-being in the morning, with fewer depressive symptoms and increased happiness.
However, researchers caution that correlation does not necessarily mean causation, and more work is needed to fully understand the relationship between time of day and mental health. Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center, notes that mental health and well-being are distinct constructs, with mental health being a crucial part of overall well-being.
The study suggests that resources should be made available according to fluctuating needs across the day, such as prioritizing late-night support services. When it comes to handling emotionally difficult topics, research points to late morning as a better time for problem-solving due to relatively stable mood levels and reduced stress hormone cortisol.
Ultimately, individual experiences may vary, and people should not feel pressured to adjust their lives based on this research. Rather, understanding how mental health and well-being are influenced by the time of day can inform strategies for improving mental health support services and personal well-being.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/04/health/mental-health-morning-wellness/index.html