Study Reveals Morning Time Boosts Mental Health

A recent study has found that the best time of the day for feeling mentally well is in the morning. This conclusion comes from a research conducted by University College London, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 people collected between March 2020 and March 2022.

The research discovered that people reported feeling better mental health at the start of the day, with minimal signs of depression, and an increased sense of happiness, life satisfaction, and self-worth. This correlation between morning time and better mental health was noted, though the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these findings.

Researchers explained that different times of the day have distinct impacts on mental health and personality. Morning hours tend to promote emotional stability, making it easier to handle emotional challenges. In contrast, during the afternoon and evening, cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases, which can lead to a dip in mood, irritability, and difficulty making decisions.

The study suggests that evening is ideal for reflecting on personal emotions and listening attentively to others. While mental health fluctuates throughout the day, certain times are crucial for well-being.

Researchers also noted that night owls—those who stay up late and wake up in the afternoon—might still feel mentally sharper during late-night hours, reinforcing the idea that individual sleep patterns may not necessarily need to change.

The results of the study were published in the *BMJ Mental Health* journal.