At 2.am. on Sunday, we set our clocks back as daylight saving time came to an end.
This practice that we’re so accustomed to may actually trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to 6ABC News.
“It's very common for folks predisposed to seasonal affective disorder to start experiencing sluggishness, feelings of sleepiness, really craving sleep, start to crave carbohydrates, maybe gain a little weight, start to feel a little more irritable," said psychologist Scott Bea, Psy.D., of the Cleveland Clinic.
The end of daylight saving time reportedly causes the brains of some people to produce more melatonin, which can cause many to feel down. Other symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, pessimistic thoughts and difficulty coping with everyday situations, according to the U.K. publication The Mirror.
For those who are experiencing symptoms of SAD, it’s important to stray away from bad habits, including smoking and excessive drinking. Trying to be more social and sleeping on a regular schedule will also reportedly help.
There are also specific foods that can help people cope with a change in mood. Dark chocolate, which reportedly reduces hormones caused by stress, in moderation is reportedly said to help.
Salmon, which is full of omega-3, a healthy fat, has also reportedly been proven to help brighten moods. Although it might seem odd to eat watermelon during the winter months, the fruit reportedly contains powerful antioxidants that stabilizes moods.
Exercise as well as therapy lights emulating sunlight can also reportedly help with the winter blues.
Social media users have addressed how inconvenient changing the clocks has become.
“I’ve been saying this for years. Changing the clocks twice a year is pointless, and if we are going to end the practice, we should go with DST (daylight saving time) year-round,” wrote social media user grooves12.