Posted by mist on January 4, 2002, at 9:41:29
I've noticed that for some reason about 95-99% of the times I'm awake in the early morning (starting at 3:30-5:30 a.m. approximately) my mood is noticably better than at other times.
The only exceptions to this were times when I had the kind of depression where I'd wake up early and with a horrible sense of dread (usually related to stressful situations I was going through that had made the depression worse). Fortunately, I have not had that particular symptom for several years, even though I've been very depressed in the last couple of years.
What I find curious about the improved mood in the early a.m. is it doesn't seem to be related to my sleep cycle. In other words, I feel the same effect if I'm awake at that time because I've a) been up all night; b) woken up early (before I've slept enough) from too much caffeine the day before, anxiety, noises in the environment, etc.; or c) gone to sleep early the night before and got 7-8 hours sleep. In other words, for whatever reason.
I don't think it's just that I'm a "morning person," because I also like being awake at night (I seem to get more done at night, for one thing—I can focus better). There seems to be some physiological change that occurs in the early morning that elevates my mood, and is unrelated to sleep patterns. I feel more optimistic at that time, less anxious and afraid (once I get up—even if anxiety had been in part the cause of my waking up), and like I have more control over my future and things are possible, etc.
Anyone else experience this or know what causes it?
poster:mist
thread:16261
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020102/msgs/16261.html