Does Daylight Savings Intensify Depression?

Daylight savings has been in effect in the United States since 1918 when Congress implemented the first daylight savings law. Daylight savings time was created to be beneficial and convenient. During daylight savings time, the hours of the day correspond with the hours of a normal workday. This way, when people come home from work, there would still be light out during the summer and spring, saving a substantial amount of energy. Daylight savings time ended on the first Sunday of November at 2:00 a.m, when we moved the time back an hour for the winter. During the spring and summer months, daylight saving time is beneficial. However, things change during the winter months.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that affects a person’s disposition. The lack of sunlight during fall and winter because of the end of daylight savings time causes the brain to make less of a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with the brain pathways that control a person’s mood. When these pathways do not create serotonin, the person experiences symptoms associated with depression as a result. Additional symptoms are weight gain, social withdrawal, lack of concentration, and irritability.

The treatment for SAD is antidepressants and light therapy. To prevent SAD, doctors recommend going outside (even if it is cloudy), exercising, maintaining your normal routine, and keeping a balanced diet.

Daylight savings time completely throws me off. During the winter, I rarely go out, because if I don’t make it home by five it is too dark to walk. My sleep schedule is disturbed, and I am generally more gloomy. I would prefer it if the hours just stayed where they are - the change is pointless. When your body gets used to going to sleep at a certain time, or just doing things at a certain time in general, a big change such as the end of daylight saving time can be harmful.