11/04/2025
Why Your Mood Might Change When the Clock Does
When the clocks fall back each year, most people enjoy the idea of an extra hour of sleep. After a few days, though, many start to notice a shift. The mornings are colder, the evenings arrive too soon, and motivation becomes harder to find. At Brightside Behavioral Health, many clients describe feeling more tired, emotional, or unbalanced during this seasonal change. These experiences are real and have a scientific explanation.
The body follows an internal rhythm called the circadian clock, which depends on light exposure. Sunlight helps regulate melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep, and serotonin, which supports mood and energy. When daylight fades earlier and mornings remain dim and cold, these rhythms become disrupted. Energy levels can dip, sleep may feel off, and emotions can fluctuat. Even a one hour shift in time can affect the body’s natural balance, particularly for those who already struggle with anxiety, depression, or fatigue.
As the days grow shorter, some people experience what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. This type of depression occurs when there is limited sunlight during fall and winter months. Common symptoms include low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, oversleeping, and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities. These symptoms can appear mild at first but may become more noticeable as daylight continues to decrease.
There are ways to help your mind and body adjust during this transition. Getting exposure to natural light early in the day can make a difference. Spending time outside, even briefly, or sitting near a bright window can help your internal rhythm. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule keeps your body grounded and less sensitive to changes in light. Regular movement, such as walking or stretching, naturally boosts serotonin and improves overall energy. Staying socially connected also helps maintain emotional stability, as isolation tends to worsen seasonal symptoms.
If your low mood or fatigue continues beyond a few weeks, or if daily life begins to feel overwhelming, seeking professional support may help. Therapy offers space to explore what you are feeling and provides practical tools to manage symptoms. Some individuals benefit from light therapy or medication, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
At Brightside Behavioral Health, we understand how seasonal changes can affect your emotional well-being. Our clinicians provide individual therapy, couples therapy, and family sessions, to help you feel more balanced and supported through the darker months. We offer in person appointments at our Johnston, Cranston, Warwick, and Riverside offices, as well as convenient telehealth options across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Support is available whenever you are ready to reach out, and together we can help you find balance and light through the darker season ahead.
