Study Finds Mental Health Peaks in the Morning and Dips by Midnight

Research from University College London reveals time of day, day of the week, and season significantly influence mood and well-being.

The study analyzed data from over 49,000 participants between March 2020 and March 2022, tracking daily fluctuations in mental health and well-being.
Participants reported the highest levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose in the morning, with mood declining steadily to its lowest point around midnight.
Seasonal trends showed mental health was best in the summer and worst in the winter, with fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms during warmer months.
Weekday patterns were steadier, while weekends showed more emotional variation, with Mondays and Fridays often scoring higher in happiness than Sundays.
Researchers suggest these findings could guide mental health services, recommending increased support during late-night hours, mid-week, and winter months.