Dr Punam Krishan, known as the TV GP, has encouraged people to adjust their daily routines this week, beginning with the first room they enter after waking. Speaking during the week of the autumn equinox-a time when daylight hours significantly reduce-Dr Punam highlighted the impact shorter days have on mood and well-being.
Addressing concerns shared during the equinox period, Dr Punam told Stannah, “Each year around the time when day and night are almost equal, I notice a rise in patients reporting low mood, feelings of flatness, lack of motivation, or what some describe as a ‘post-summer hangover’. Many fail to recognise the link to seasonal changes.”
Supporting this observation, UK research involving individuals aged between 37 and 73 found that an extra hour of daylight correlates with increased happiness and a lower risk of depression. With this year’s equinox falling on 23 September, Dr Punam advises monitoring any shifts in mood.
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Given the record-breaking summer weather recently experienced, she anticipates that Britons may find the adjustment to colder, shorter days even more challenging than usual. To help manage the seasonal transition, she recommends several practical adjustments:
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Begin your day in the brightest room of your home. It is beneficial to expose your eyes to natural, bright light within the first hour of waking-ideally for 20 to 30 minutes-to reset your circadian rhythm.
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If stepping outside first thing is difficult, sitting near an east-facing window with open curtains during breakfast can be effective. Morning light exposure is more valuable than the total sunshine received throughout the day.
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This advice is particularly important for older adults or those with mobility restrictions, as it provides a mood and wellbeing boost from the comfort of one’s home.
Additionally, Dr Punam cautions against exposure to artificial bright lights in the evening. As days grow darker earlier, increased use of phones, overhead lights, and televisions can delay melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns and causing tiredness in the morning and alertness at night.
She suggests embracing softer lighting and limiting screen time in the evening, alongside having a relaxed wind-down routine to counteract these effects.
Finally, Dr Punam emphasises the importance of professional support when needed. “If low mood persists for more than two to three weeks or begins to interfere with daily life, consulting a GP is vital rather than trying to cope alone.”