While an extra hour of sleep might sound appealing, many Americans feel that trading daylight in the evening isn't worth it. In fact, the "fall back" in November seems to do more harm than good.
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by Talker Research from October 3-7, found that nearly two in five Americans experience what they call the "Daylight Saving Scaries." The unease surrounding Daylight Saving Time (DST) isn't just a one-day disturbance; it begins approximately 11 days before the clocks are set back, around October 23.
In an article by Newsweek, two psychotherapists discussed the survey's findings, revealing a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the twice-yearly clock change, especially during the darker, colder months. They explored why these negative feelings arise and what can be done.
How Does Changing the Clocks Impact Your Health?
Fatemeh Farahan, a licensed psychotherapist with 30 years' of experience, explained why people feel a sense of dread around this time of year.
The Los Angeles-based author of Wired for Happiness, a practical guide to rewiring the brain for lasting joy and fulfillment, highlighted the following factors:
Disrupted Circadian Rhythms: "Our bodies operate on internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, which influence everything from alertness to mood. Losing daylight in the evening can make people feel 'off' and can even trigger symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for those who are vulnerable to it."
Anticipatory Anxiety: "Many people report feeling on edge even before the time change-our brains are bracing for impact, knowing we're in for darker evenings and disrupted routines. It's a common response that intensifies feelings of dread."
Loss of Daylight and Seasonal Mood Shifts: "Fewer daylight hours can disrupt our production of serotonin, which helps regulate mood. With less sunlight, people often feel drained, tired, or just 'blah.'"
Four Winter Wellbeing Tips
Indeed, this mental shift led 59 percent of respondents to say they would permanently stop the biannual clock change if given the choice.
Dr. Naomi Newman-Beinart, a London-based nutritionist for BetterYou, a natural health company, and chartered psychologist, shared her top tips to help boost your well-being this winter:
Embrace Natural Light and Vitamin D3
Research has revealed that almost half of adults in the U.S. (42 percent) have a vitamin D deficiency. With reduced daylight hours, levels can drop even further.
"Vitamin D3 is often called the 'sunshine vitamin' because our bodies produce it when exposed to sunlight," explains Newman-Beinart. "When sunlight is less intense and we spend more time indoors, our vitamin D levels can drop, affecting our mood and energy levels."
To combat this, she recommends taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement to maintain healthy levels as the days get shorter.
Boost Your Mood with Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining mental health, particularly in mood regulation and energy production.
"Vitamin B12 is crucial for the production of serotonin, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter that helps stabilize mood," Newman-Beinart told Newsweek. "A deficiency in B12 can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low mood, and even depression."
She advises stocking up on this supplement, though it can also be found in animal products such as fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, low-fat and fat-free milk, and fortified breakfast cereals, which are also a good source of B vitamins.
Relax and Unwind with Magnesium
After DST ends, 29 percent of respondents feel more sluggish, with similar rates across millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers (30 percent), while fewer Gen Z (23 percent) and Silent Generation members, those born between 1928 and 1945 (16 percent), report feeling this way.
Additionally, 26 percent feel less motivated, especially baby boomers (31 percent), compared to Gen Z (20 percent). A similar trend appears in productivity, with 23 percent feeling less productive, most commonly among millennials and Gen X (24 percent).
"Magnesium plays a key role in regulating the nervous system and can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall mood," Newman-Beinart told Newsweek.
Stay Active to Beat the Blues
In preparation for the end of DST, 16 percent of respondents focus on maintaining their exercise routine, with a higher percentage of men (19 percent) than women (14 percent) using this strategy.
"Gentle exercise like stretching a few times a day is a great way to open the body up and keep it loose. Of course, you can opt for some yoga in the morning, but if you're short on time or working at a desk, try doing stretches every half hour to alleviate stress on your back and shoulders," Newman-Beinart advised Newsweek.
Survey methodology: