As daylight saving time ends each fall, many people experience a noticeable shift in their energy levels, productivity, and overall mental health. The seasonal time change that recently occurred marked our clocks back one hour. This can disrupt routines and cause early sunsets, leading to noticeable changes in mood and energy.
Xavier Nady, a Cathedral Catholic student of the class of 2026, shared, “Now that it gets dark so early in the fall, I feel tired sooner. After daylight savings, I have noticed a change in my productivity.”
Xavier’s experience reflects a common challenge for students during this time of year: the earlier sunsets create a sense that the day is ending sooner, often leading to decreased energy and motivation. With evenings feeling shorter, students may struggle to stay productive, which can quickly spiral into a cycle of procrastination and stress.
According to psychology teacher Mr. Caro, the loss of sunlight plays a key role in these changes. “Sunlight triggers the pineal gland to secrete hormones that wake us up and keep us feeling alert. When we lose this light, our body gets sooner into night/sleep mode,” he explained. The earlier onset of darkness can make it feel like bedtime much earlier, reducing energy and the ability to focus during the evening.
Xavier described how the earlier sunsets affect his routine. “I don’t feel motivated to do any of my school work, and I want to sleep as soon as I get home from practice. It is almost as if my energy fades with the daylight.”
The shorter days can also increase the risk of seasonal depression. Mr. Caro noted, “This time of the year has a heavy dose of stress: finals are approaching, college applications are due, it gets darker sooner, and it is colder. All of this can make us feel in a lower mood. And if someone is already vulnerable to hitting a low mood, the sunlight loss may put them at greater risk of struggling.”
The combination of environmental factors, stress, and disrupted routines makes it essential to address these challenges proactively. Reduced sunlight not only affects mood and energy but can also lead to less social interaction as darker evenings and colder temperatures keep people indoors.
Harvard Health Publishing echoes these findings, explaining that reduced daylight lowers serotonin (a hormone that boosts mood levels) and delays melatonin production, which disrupts sleep. These changes can lead to exhaustion, mood swings, and symptoms of depression.
By understanding the mental health impact of daylight savings time and shorter days, students and adults can take steps to mitigate the effects. Prioritizing outdoor activity during daylight hours and maintaining consistent routines can help combat the “fallback blues.” With the right strategies, it’s possible to manage this seasonal shift and not fall victim to seasonal depression.
