As the sun sinks below the horizon, a wave of unease washes over countless individuals. Dubbed "sunset anxiety," this phenomenon is drawing attention as more people share their experiences of anxiety, panic, and a profound sense of emptiness during twilight hours. Although it lacks an official diagnosis, the prevalence of this emotional turmoil suggests that it deserves serious consideration.
People on social media share their experiences about ‘sunset anxiety’ recently finding countless others in the same plight. They describe that they feel very anxious, or have dread or fear, get uncomfortable, restless and overwhelmed as the sun is setting.
“When it’s completely dark outside, it starts to dissipate, and I feel slightly better, but it’s like this every day. I don’t look forward to the next day because I know as soon as it’s 6 pm, I dread the next hours,” one Redditor wrote.
Recent studies reveal that anxiety levels can fluctuate throughout the day, influenced by a person's predisposition to worry. A 2022 study highlighted that individuals with higher worry levels often experience sustained anxiety that does not decline as day turns to night.
Conversely, those less prone to worry reported increased anxiety in the morning, which gradually lessened throughout the day. For "evening chronotypes," or night owls, anxiety tends to peak during the evening, exacerbating feelings of discomfort as sunset approaches.
The body’s circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, can also play a role in sunset anxiety. As daylight fades, melatonin production increases, signalling the body to prepare for sleep. This biological shift can cause mood fluctuations and heightened anxiety, especially for those who struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Factors contributing to this heightened anxiety include accumulated stress from a demanding workday, a lack of distractions, and the anxiety about falling asleep. “Productivity guilt” is another significant contributor, leading individuals to feel they haven't accomplished enough during the day.
Productivity guilt happens when we have unreasonable expectations of how much we can accomplish within a given period. This guilt often leads to anticipatory anxiety, where individuals worry about their unfinished tasks and the responsibilities awaiting them the next day.
Perfectionism can intensify these feelings and internalised pressure can create a vicious cycle, amplifying anxiety as the day ends.
So, what can be done to alleviate sunset anxiety? Many mental health clinics offers several strategies to help manage these feelings. Staying busy and planning enjoyable activities for after work—be it socialising or engaging in physical exercise—can serve as effective distractions.
Engaging in aerobic exercise, reading or listening to calming music have also been touted as one of the best short-term remedies for anxiety.
Setting achievable evening goals can also help. Whether it’s completing a puzzle or unwinding with a favourite book, these activities can shift focus away from anxiety. Acknowledging one's feelings rather than battling them is also vital. Practicing mindfulness throughout the day can relieve the stress that builds up as sunset approaches, while establishing a night time routine—such as journaling or meditating—provides a sense of structure and purpose.
In cases where self-help strategies fall short, seeking professional assistance is crucial.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
