As we prepare to set our clocks forward one hour for daylight saving time this weekend, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on mental health.
Recent studies have shown that depression seems to rise when the time changes, contradicting the common belief that the “spring forward” switch is a good thing.
In an interview with KTSM, an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center spoke about the correlation between seasonal depression and the amount of sunlight people receive.
“Those symptoms are highly correlated with how much sunlight people get and how much sunlight there is overall,” she explained.
“So then you know summer people feel less seasonal depressive symptoms than they do in the winter.”
To combat the potential effects of daylight saving time on mental health, Dr.
Martin suggests establishing a consistent sleep routine.
“The best way to get enough sleep is to have a routine where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day,” she advised.
As we prepare to adjust our clocks, it’s important to be mindful of the potential impact on our mental health and take steps to prioritize our well-being.
