Data shows that nearly 20% of American adults have reported suffering from an anxiety disorder in the past year, and many are more likely to feel anxious and anxious as the sun goes down.
Although “sunset anxiety” is not an official medical diagnosis and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some mental health professionals believe it is a very real possibility. Some agree that it is a phenomenon.
Dr. Andrea D. Guastero, a licensed psychologist in the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry, says anxiety is not the only symptom.
“It could be a psychotic symptom that increases in frequency or intensity as the sun goes down or as the night goes on,” Guastero told FOX News Digital.
Symptoms include feelings of depression, loneliness and hopelessness, which experts said tend to increase at night.
What exactly is sunset anxiety?
Sunset anxiety occurs when a person begins to feel anxious as the sun sets at the end of the day, Veena Persaud, M.D., a clinical psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told FOX News.・Told Digital.
“Lack of natural light can lower people’s energy and motivation, causing restlessness, discomfort, and worry and tension when completing tasks,” she says.
Dr. Persaud says people who have previously experienced anxiety symptoms and are generally more prone to anxiety are more likely to be affected, as are people who are sensitive to changes in light or consider themselves “night owls.” It is said that it is easy to accept.
There are no specific gender or racial trends in sunset anxiety, experts noted.
“Adults are more likely to feel it than teenagers and children, and this may be due to adults’ sense of responsibility for daily activities,” she added.
common triggers
Experts say the onset of sunset anxiety may be related to circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that regulates many functions. Circadian rhythms are influenced by melatonin production, Persaud said.
“We know that winter and daylight savings can cause hormonal changes,” she told FOX News Digital.
“Melatonin production is sensitive to light, so early darkness can trigger symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The body believes it’s supposed to be getting ready for sleep because of the darkness. It is.”
Experts report that seasonal anxiety increases from October to late March.
“The changing seasons and the early onset of darkness make this a time of year when people are more likely to experience both sunset anxiety and seasonal depression,” Persaud says.
Anxiety can also occur if someone has a heavy mental burden of activities and responsibilities and struggles to complete them all by evening.
“When it gets dark earlier, we feel physically and mentally tired, and the day feels like it’s over before we reach our daily goals,” Persaud says.
Tips to reduce sunset anxiety
Guastero, from the University of Florida, offered the following tips to reduce anxiety around sunset.
Set reasonable goals for yourself.
Plan fun activities around the time when anxiety typically increases.
Practice proper sleep hygiene.
Get some sunlight outdoors and use solar power when the light level is low.
Pay attention to your nutritional status and see your doctor if necessary.
Exercise regularly to reduce low-level anxiety. However, avoid exercising within 2 hours of bedtime.
If the lifestyle changes listed above don’t help, and your symptoms of sunset anxiety worsen or persist, experts recommend seeing a mental health professional.
