Circadian Mood Patterns: A Scientific Exploration of Life’s Wisdom
Empirical evidence and life wisdom often follow divergent paths. The allure of life wisdom lies in its ability to provide solace without the need for concrete proof. When a mother consoles her child with the reassurance that tomorrow will bring a brighter perspective, it suffices without the burden of supporting evidence.
However, a team of researchers at University College London has undertaken a groundbreaking study that bridges the gap between life wisdom and scientific validation. They analyzed nearly a million responses from approximately 50,000 British participants in a large-scale social study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over two years, the participants meticulously recorded their mental well-being on an hourly basis. Using this extensive dataset, behavioral scientist Feifei Bu and her colleagues meticulously examined the relationship between time of day and mood. Their findings, published in the esteemed journal BMJ Mental Health, paint a clear picture: we tend to be at our most contented in the morning after waking up.
By midday, the positive mood gradually subsides, only to experience a resurgence in the evening hours before plummeting drastically towards midnight. According to the participants’ self-reported assessments, they were at their most downbeat around this late-night hour.
This circadian mood pattern extends beyond daily fluctuations, exhibiting a weekly rhythm as well. Participants reported feeling more somber mid-week compared to Mondays and Fridays. Notably, the intensity of these emotions varied: while happiness levels fluctuated markedly, feelings of loneliness remained relatively constant throughout the day.
The study did not delve into the underlying causes of these mood variations. However, research has identified several factors that influence our emotional state:
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Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones and neurotransmitters play a significant role in shaping our mood. Cortisol, a hormone that boosts energy production, peaks upon waking, while serotonin, the so-called "happiness hormone," is transformed into melatonin in the evening. This conversion aids in sleep but can also contribute to lower mood.
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Dream Processing: Negative emotions often suppressed during the day resurface at night in the form of dreams. According to sleep researcher Markus Specht, approximately 70% of dreams involve negative experiences. Individuals who wake up during the night may therefore be under the lingering influence of these unsettling dreams.
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Reduced Prefrontal Cortex Activity: The prefrontal cortex, a brain region responsible for cognitive regulation, exhibits decreased activity at night. Its absence allows creative thoughts to flow more freely, but it can also lead to exaggerated perceptions of negative situations.
The study authors acknowledge a potential caveat: happier individuals may tend to wake up earlier than their less-cheerful counterparts. This could partly account for the higher reported happiness levels in the morning. Caution is therefore warranted when drawing hasty conclusions. For instance, scheduling delicate relationship discussions immediately after waking may not be the wisest move.
One unequivocal finding, however, relates to seasonal variations: people consistently report higher levels of well-being during the brighter months of the year.
This research not only validates a time-honored piece of life wisdom but also provides empirical support for the adage that "a good day starts with a good morning." By understanding these circadian mood patterns, we can adjust our activities and interactions accordingly, fostering greater emotional well-being and resilience.
