It’s December, and the sun now sets closer to 5:00 everyday. Students feel more and more down every day. Is this a placebo effect? Or is there actual science behind this? 

Serotonin is a special hormone in the human body that helps control many functions. Sleep, appetite, digestion, and mood. It’s mainly in the brain, and imbalances commonly lead to issues like anxiety, or depression. 

It also is said to be a “precursor” to something called melatonin, which is the main hormone that helps with the human body’s sleep schedule – a lack of serotonin/melatonin will keep you up late and not sleeping well.

Like all things, serotonin can be too high or too low- high serotonin is dangerous, and can be caused by taking too much medication or certain drug combinations. Agitation and high blood pressure are common symptoms.

So what does the sun setting earlier in the day have to do with any of this? The sun triggers your body to produce more serotonin- mostly through your eyes, which tells your brain to make more of that mood boosting hormone. 

In a placebo kind of effect, having less light through your day can cause “winter blues” or also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. A type of recurring depression that is caused by less sunlight.

Students also feel overwhelmed, in many cases, December is the final crunch month before the end of semester, which starts just after a week-long thanksgiving break. Lots of work is due, and those that procrastinate try and knock out a terms worth of work in a few weeks. 

We can combat the 5pm slump by being social and active. Spend time with your family when you can, and try doing some inside workouts of physical exertion. Doing some popular activities outside, like sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling can help out too.