While an extra hour of sleep might sound appealing, many Americans don’t think the trade-off for evening daylight is worth it. In fact, the November “comeback” seems to be doing more harm than good.

A recent survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted by Talker Research from October 3-7, found that nearly two in five Americans experience what they call “Daylight Saving Scaries.” Daylight Saving Time (DST) jitters aren’t just a one-day disturbance; it starts about 11 days before the clocks are turned back around October 23rd.

In an article by Newsweektwo psychotherapists discussed the findings of the survey, revealing a deep dissatisfaction with the clock changing twice a year, especially during the darker and colder months. They explored why these negative feelings arise and what can be done.

How does changing the clocks affect your health?

Fatemeh Farahan, a licensed psychotherapist with 30 years of experience, explained why people feel a sense of dread this time of year.

Author of Los Angeles Wired for happinessa practical guide to rewiring the brain for lasting joy and fulfillment, highlighted the following factors:

Disturbed circadian rhythms: “Our bodies operate on internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, which influence everything from alertness to mood. The loss of daylight in the evening can make people feel “off” and can even trigger symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for those who are vulnerable. to him.”

Anticipatory anxiety: “Many people report feeling numb even before the time changes – our brains brace themselves for the impact, knowing that darker evenings and disrupted routines await. It’s a common response that heightens feelings of dread.”

Loss of daylight and seasonal mood swings: “Fewer hours of daylight can disrupt our production of serotonin, which helps regulate mood. With less sunlight, people often feel run down, tired or just “blah”.

Four winter wellness tips

Indeed, this mental shift led 59 percent of respondents to say they would stop the biannual clock change for good if given the choice.

Dr. Naomi Newman-Beinart, a London-based nutritionist for BetterYou, a natural health company and licensed psychologist, shared her top tips to help you improve your wellbeing this winter:

It embraces natural light and vitamin D3

Research revealed that nearly half of US adults (42 percent) have a vitamin D deficiency. With reduced daylight hours, levels can drop even further.

“Vitamin D3 is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because our bodies produce it when exposed to sunlight,” explains Newman-Beinart. “When sunlight is less intense and we spend more time indoors, our vitamin D levels can drop, affecting our mood and energy levels.”

To combat this, she recommends taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement to maintain healthy levels as the days get shorter.

Boost your mood with vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining mental health, especially in mood regulation and energy production.

“Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of serotonin, the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter that helps stabilize mood,” said Newman-Beinart. Newsweek. “A deficiency in B12 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, low mood and even depression.”

She recommends stocking up on this supplement, although it can also be found in animal products such as fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, low-fat and fat-free milk, and fortified breakfast cereals. which are also a good source of B. vitamins.

Relax and unwind with magnesium

After the end of the city, 29 percent of respondents feel slower, with similar rates among Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers (30 percent), while fewer members of Gen Z (23 percent) and the Silent Generation, those born between 1928 and 1945 (16). percentages), report feeling this way.

Additionally, 26 percent feel less motivated, especially baby boomers (31 percent), compared to Gen Z (20 percent). A similar trend occurs in productivity, with 23% feeling less productive, most commonly among millennials and Gen X (24%).

“Magnesium plays a key role in regulating the nervous system and can help reduce stress, improve sleep and improve overall mood,” Newman-Beinart said. Newsweek.

Stay active to beat the blues

In preparation for the end of DST, 16% of respondents are focusing on maintaining them exercise routine, with a higher percentage of men (19 percent) than women (14 percent) using this strategy.

“Gentle exercise, such as stretching a few times a day, is a great way to open up the body and keep it loose. Of course, you can opt for some yoga in the morning, but if you are short on time or work in an office. , try stretching every half hour to relieve stress on your back and shoulders,” advised Newman-Beinart Newsweek.

Survey methodology:

Talker Research polled 2,000 Americans about daylight saving time; the survey was commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress and conducted online between October 3-7, 2024.