6 Reasons Why We're Happiest in the Morning

"Midnight came, and bed for all. [We said], 'Good night, sleep well, pleasant dreams.' With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." —Eleanor Roosevelt, My Day, January 9, 1936.

Source: Sari ONeal / Shutterstock

You've probably heard the phrase, "Sleep on it. Things will feel better in the morning." Turns out, there's scientific truth to this maxim. A recently published large-scale study analyzed nearly one million time-of-day mood reports and found that mental health and well-being peak in the morning hours and decline throughout the day—hitting their lowest point around midnight.

This February 2025 study, published in BMJ Mental Health, focused on six markers associated with feeling good: depression levels, anxiety symptoms, and different dimensions of eudaimonia and psychological well-being, such as happiness, life satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and social connectedness. Across all six markers, mornings consistently outperformed late-night hours.

What about night owls? Although mornings generally yield the highest well-being scores, some night owls feel their best later in the day due to genetics, lifestyle, or habit formation. That said, the six mental health markers linked to happiness (described below) tend to be strongest in the morning and decline as the day progresses.

1. Depression: Depressive Symptoms Peak Near Midnight

People in this study reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms in the morning than later in the day. The study found that negative moods worsen as the day progresses, peaking near midnight. Why?

• Sleep deprivation and fatigue: Poor sleep is linked to increased depressive symptoms, and late-night hours often involve sleep deprivation or disrupted circadian rhythms.
• Rumination and isolation: Nighttime offers fewer distractions, making it easier to dwell on negative thoughts.
• Lower light exposure: Morning sunlight helps regulate mood and boosts serotonin, a key neurotransmitter associated with less depression.

2. Anxiety Symptoms: Nighttime Can Bring Worry and Stress

Anxiety symptoms were also lowest in the morning and heightened at night. Late-night hours—especially around midnight—correlated with increased feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and unease. Possible reasons include:

• Cognitive overload: As the day progresses, stress accumulates, making it harder to relax at night.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Cortisol, the body's stress hormone, naturally peaks in the morning and tapers off at night. When it's too low, the body may struggle with emotion regulation.
• Lack of distraction: Evening and nighttime often bring solitude, which can exacerbate anxious thoughts.

3. Hedonic Well-Being Is Highest in the Morning

Morning hours saw the highest levels of happiness and contentment, also known as hedonic well-being. People reported feeling their best early in the day, with happiness levels gradually declining as the day went on. What makes mornings happier?

• Biological rhythms: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation, is often more prevalent earlier in the day.
• Locus of control: Sunrise brings a fresh start, with a sense of control about achieving goals, while sundown can bring dejection associated with procrastination and unaccomplished tasks.
• Sunlight exposure: Light is a key driver of mood. Early daylight and bright sunshine can boost energy and improve mood, which subside in the hours after sunset.

4. Evaluative Well-Being (Life Satisfaction) Rises With the Sun

People were more likely to rate their lives as satisfying in the morning than later in the day. Life satisfaction peaks in the morning and dips near midnight. Why?

• Perspective shift: Mornings provide a clean slate, while nighttime reflections tend to perpetuate worry and regret.
• Mental fatigue: By the end of the day, exhaustion can distort perceptions of life quality.
• Circadian rhythm: Neural activity linked to optimism and motivation peaks in the morning after dawn's first light.

5. Eudaimonic Well-Being: Mornings Reinforce Sense of Purpose

A key dimension of mental well-being is eudaimonia, which refers to a person's sense of purpose and living a meaningful life. The study found that, on average, people felt the most fulfillment and purposefulness in the morning, with their sense of eudaimonic well-being declining as the day went on. Potential explanations:

• Peaceful atmosphere: Quiet morning routines foster a sense of calm, security, and contentment before the day's hustle and bustle begins.
• Cognitive clarity: Quality sleep restores mental energy, making it easier to focus attention and cultivate gratitude for the small joys in life.
• Morning energy: After a good night's sleep, people awaken with a renewed sense of purpose and higher energy levels to seize the day.

Happiness Essential Reads

Why Thinking About the Future Makes Your Life Better Now

What If You Didn’t Need to Feel Better to Live Better?

6. Social Well-Being: Loneliness Intensifies at Night

The study also examined social well-being, particularly feelings of loneliness. Mornings were associated with the lowest loneliness levels, while feelings of perceived social isolation increased after sunset, peaking at midnight. Why do we feel more alone at night?

• Less social interaction: Mornings are structured, with work, school, and routines keeping us engaged. At night, social connections may dwindle.
• Social comparison: Scrolling through social media at night can trigger feelings of exclusion, inadequacy, or being "less than."
• Rumination and self-reflection: People tend to dwell on their relationships and life circumstances at night, leading to a stronger sense of aloneness.

How to Optimize Mental Well-Being Throughout the Day

If mornings are naturally better for mental health, what can you do to maintain well-being as the day goes on?

• Get morning sunlight: Exposure to natural light early in the day improves mood.
• Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep can amplify depressive and anxious symptoms, so aim for 7 to 9 hours nightly.
• Stay active: Morning exercise can boost mood and set a positive tone for the day.
• Limit late-night screen time: Blue light from devices can disrupt sleep and worsen nighttime anxiety.
• Engage socially: Make time for conversations and meaningful connections to combat loneliness and strengthen your sense of belonging.

Take-Home Message: Mornings Bring a Fresh Start

New research (2025) analyzing nearly a million time-of-day mood reports confirms an age-old belief—things really do feel better in the morning. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness tend to peak at night, while happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are strongest early in the day. Understanding these natural rhythms can help you structure your routine to maximize mental well-being and make the most of the morning's psychological advantages.

Facebook image: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock