Daylight Savings Time
and Your Mental Health

Daylight savings time will soon be coming to an end. While some look forward to this, an extra hour of sleep can be very enticing, it can have a dramatic impact on your physical and mental health. 

Seasonal changes can bring about symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depressive disorder associated with the change of seasons. Many only associate SAD with the change of Summer to Fall, however, these symptoms can arise in relation to any change in seasons. 

The Effects of Daylight Savings Time Coming to an End

According to CNN Health there are a number of physical and mental health concerns that are associated with the ending of daylight savings time. The end of daylight savings time can spur: 

• Cluster headaches
• Sleep deprivation (despite having an extra hour of sleep!)
• Increase in symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Mood changes
• Changes in circadian rhythm (sleep wake cycles) that can worsen other conditions such as Alzheimers and dementia 

The end of daylight savings time certainly does not cause behavioral health symptoms, however, it can exacerbate pre-existing symptoms and conditions. 

Taking Care of Your Mental Health as the Days Get Shorter

As daylight savings time comes to a close it is important that you prioritize self-care and your mental health. These shifts may seem small, or even welcomed when you can look forward to an “extra” hour each day. Even if this change hasn’t impacted your functioning in the past it can start to at any time. 

Take care of yourself, especially during times of change. The “little” things like making sure to drink enough water, eat some fruits and vegetables and get enough sleep can make a huge difference. Enjoy the amount of sunlight you do have! Getting outside and being sure to exercise can make this transition easier. 

While it may not come naturally, you can control how you view the time change. You can control how you think and how you speak to yourself. This can be a difficult task, but it isn’t impossible. 

Can Counseling Help You Adjust to the End of Daylight Savings Time?

As we discussed earlier, you can control your perspective. You can decide what you believe and what narratives you buy into. While you may know this to be true, you may wonder how you can make this happen. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you change the way you think, making your beliefs and self-talk work for you rather than against you. You can learn many valuable skills that can help you to feel effective in your life. 

CCS in Fayetteville contracts with licensed counselors and therapists who are trained in CBT and in treating conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder. Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!