Research suggests that the winter season brings about a myriad of changes in people’s behaviors and moods. The natural and cultural changes experienced during winter make it challenging to determine the exact causes underlying these seasonal shifts.
The American Psychiatric Association estimates that about 5 percent of Americans will experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression experienced during the winter months. SAD is linked to decreased exposure to sunlight, which can result in lower levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. As the days grow shorter, feelings of hopelessness, lethargy, and decreased motivation to engage in activities are common symptoms of SAD.
In addition to mood changes, wintertime also tends to bring about seasonal changes in waistlines, with many people putting on extra pounds during these months. Scientists have suggested that winter weight gain may have been an evolutionary adaptation to food scarcity during our ancestral past.
Beyond changes in mood and waistlines, the winter season also seems to impact people’s focus, generosity, and sexual behaviors. Researchers have observed increases in sexual activity and birth rates during the winter months, and suggest several possible explanations for this seasonal phenomenon. Furthermore, studies have found that people may have an easier time paying attention during this time of year, and rates of charitable giving tend to increase around the winter holidays.
Overall, as researchers continue to explore these seasonal effects, it’s possible that the ones we currently know about are only scratching the surface of a much larger phenomenon. So, whether you find yourself feeling a bit down or a bit more generous during the winter months, know that you are not alone in experiencing these seasonal changes.