A new study by British psychologists and behavioral researchers suggests that people tend to be happier in the morning.
By analyzing responses from nearly 50,000 individuals over two years, researchers found clear patterns in mood fluctuations throughout the day.
Here are the key findings from their research.
Happiness peaks in the morning
People generally report feeling happier, less lonely, and more satisfied with life in the morning compared to later in the day.
Mood declines toward midnight
The study found that well-being is at its lowest around midnight, suggesting that the later it gets, the more negative emotions tend to arise.
Cortisol levels may play a role
Researchers suggest that cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate mood, peaks shortly after waking up and reaches its lowest levels near bedtime, potentially influencing happiness levels.
Study data spans two years
The findings are based on data collected over a two-year period as part of the ‘COVID-19 Social Study’, tracking how mood fluctuated during and after pandemic lockdowns.
Seasonal changes affect happiness
The study observed that happiness levels are generally lower in winter compared to other seasons, possibly due to reduced sunlight and colder weather.
Mondays and Fridays are happier days
Contrary to popular belief, people reported feeling more satisfied on Mondays and Fridays than on Sundays, challenging the idea of “Monday blues”.
Pandemic restrictions impacted mood
Researchers noted that overall happiness increased toward the end of the study in 2022, as pandemic-related restrictions were lifted and normal life resumed.
Possible bias in self-reporting
The researchers acknowledge a potential bias in the data, as happier individuals may have been more likely to respond in the morning, while those in a worse mood might have chosen to respond later in the day.
Sleep quality could be a factor
Poor sleep is associated with worse mental health, which may explain why people report lower happiness levels as the day progresses.
Further research is needed
While the study provides valuable insights, researchers emphasize the need for more investigation to determine the exact reasons behind these daily mood fluctuations.
This article is based on information from Videnskab.dk.