Sleeping

The Real Reason You Feel Down After Dark

October 05, 2024 | Source: Mercola.com | by Dr. Joseph Mercola

It’s common for people to experience negative thoughts and emotions at night, a phenomenon often referred to as “nighttime depression.” However, experts say this term is not a formal diagnosis. Instead, it refers to feelings of sadness or low mood that tend to appear or worsen after dark. While these feelings can be tough, they don’t always indicate a mental health condition.

Several factors contribute to this nighttime mood shift, including disrupted sleep patterns, loneliness, and the body’s circadian rhythms. The biological clock regulates processes like sleep and mood. When misaligned with sleep-wake cycles, it can lead to increased negative emotions, especially late at night. Studies show that feelings of sadness and low mood tend to peak during the middle of the night.

To help combat these feelings, it’s essential to follow good sleep hygiene practices. Experts recommend adjusting your sleep schedule to ensure you are asleep by 9 or 10 p.m. to align with your body’s natural melatonin production. Avoid exposure to blue light from devices, and consider using blue-blocking glasses or dim, red lighting in the evening to avoid suppressing melatonin.

Keep your sleep environment comfortable by maintaining a cool room temperature, limiting caffeine, and creating a consistent pre-sleep routine. If nighttime low moods persist, consider emotional or physical factors like stress or unresolved worries. Writing down concerns to address the next day can ease anxiety. However, if symptoms worsen, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider is recommended.

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