Research from the University College London found that people tend to rate their feelings of happiness and well-being highest in the morning and lowest around midnight. A study of 49,218 people who answered questions about their emotions and life satisfaction between March 2020 and March 2022 revealed a consistent pattern across various factors.
Morning ratings were consistently higher for happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of life being worthwhile, while anxiety symptoms were lower on Sundays, likely due to the “sequence of daily activities.” However, feelings of loneliness plummeted at midnight across all days of the week. Researchers attribute this to circadian rhythms, which affect cortisol levels throughout the day.
The study also found that time of year played a significant role in influencing mood. Winter was associated with higher levels of loneliness and anxiety symptoms, while other seasons showed lower rates of depression and increased happiness.
The findings aim to provide medical professionals with a better understanding of how mood can fluctuate throughout the day. Experts suggest that mental health support services may need to adjust resources to match changing needs across the day.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/time-day-feel-best-worst-233000542.html