This weekend, Spain will carry out the traditional time change to adapt to winter time, turning the clocks back one hour. Although it seems to offer an extra hour of sleep, a recent study from the Clearly mental health platform suggests that the decrease in sunlight has a deeper impact on emotional health.
According to the study, one in five patients in psychotherapy experiences symptoms of emotional exhaustion, known as seasonal depression, which intensify with the arrival of autumn. The female doctor. Silvina Pérez Zambón, Clearly's clinical expert, notes that this change triggers an emotional downturn that affects thousands of people. 78% of patients indicate that the modification of the schedule affects their mental well-being.
The most common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and anxiety, especially among women aged 25 to 60. The female doctor. Pérez Zambón explains that the loss of natural light affects the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, and reduces serotonin levels, known as "the happiness hormone," affecting mood and daily energy.
The study, which analyzed 500 psychological consultation records, also indicates symptoms such as apathy, low motivation, and social isolation, common at this time of year. These reactions intensify in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where the fast pace and the lack of sun exposure exacerbate emotional exhaustion.
To mitigate these effects, the female doctor. Pérez Zambón recommends seeking natural light daily, engaging in outdoor physical activity, maintaining stable sleep routines, and strengthening social relationships. Activities such as cooking comfort foods or walking in the sun can significantly improve emotional well-being.
The specialist highlights that seasonal depression is a physiological response to changes in light and temperature, and suggests that consciously adapting to these transitions is fundamental to maintaining mental health. Just as bundling up against the cold, it is essential to take care of the mind during the shortest and coldest days.
