Time Keeps on Slippin’: How losing daylight can influence your mood

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Michiana has lost a significant amount of daylight since the summer solstice on June 20. That day, the sun rose at 6:10 a.m. and set at 9:22 p.m.—giving us a generous 15 hours and 12 minutes of daylight. Fast forward to today, just a few days after the Autumnal equinox, sunrise wasn’t until 7:35 a.m., with sunset at 7:36 p.m.—leaving us with only 12 hours of sunlight.

Since June, we’ve lost about three hours of daylight, and we’ll continue to lose more until we reach the first day of winter. After that, the days will slowly get longer as we regain daylight.

With the Northern Hemisphere now tilted away from the sun, we receive less solar radiation, resulting in longer nights and shorter days. This shift will become more dramatic once daylight saving time is implemented in November.

As daylight hours shrink during the fall and winter months, many people experience a noticeable shift in mood. For some, this seasonal change leads to a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

Dr. Desriee Davis, a clinical social worker at the South Bend Clinic, explains that SAD is “a depression that is connected to the seasons, usually the fall and the winter or the spring, and it's due to the reduction of sunlight.” Without enough sunlight, the body’s natural rhythms can be disrupted, increasing the risk of depression.

A common misconception, Davis says, is that SAD is simply the “winter blues”—something that will fade on its own. But for many, professional treatment is necessary. Options include therapy, medication, or even Light Therapy, which simulates natural sunlight.

Davis also recommends practical lifestyle strategies like getting adequate sleep, staying active, and engaging in hobbies to support mental well-being. As the holidays near, she encourages making plans with loved ones to help prevent feelings of isolation.

Recognizing the symptoms of SAD early is essential for getting effective and timely care.