The Psychological Impact of Winter: From Mood to Sex Drives

Winter brings about changes in how people think, feel, and behave, according to research in psychology and related fields. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of Americans, with decreased exposure to sunlight leading to lower levels of serotonin. Winter is also associated with weight gain, potentially due to ancestral adaptations to scarcity. Other changes include increased sexual activity, improved attention and focus, and heightened generosity during the holiday season. These findings suggest that humans, like other animals, are influenced by seasonal variations in their behavior and biology.