Hot Fun In The Summertime–For Most Of Us

Are you happier in the summer than at other times of the year?  Does it seem other people are?  Well, chances are you all are!

It's not just your imagination-- people are happier according to Philip Gehrman, associate director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Gehrman says generally, people are more cheerful in the summertime because light serves as the strongest cue to regulate circadian rhythms, which include the sleep cycle, hormonal fluctuations and body temperature.

Scientists point out that each person's circadian rhythms are different, so not everyone is feeling their best in the summer and for some, summer sun can be mildly irritating!

However, for most people, the extra sunlight means their circadian rhythm is better aligned with sunlight and darkness, which can affect people's sleep and moods positively. What’s not 100% clear is whether  feelings of happiness come from better aligned circadian rhythms and better sleep, or if the boost is directly attributable to the sunlight.  (Time)