Thrown off for a week every time the clocks change? AuDHD brains feel the seasons.
Why do seasons matter?
Changes in light, temperature and routine can hit AuDHD brains hard. Heat and heavy layers overwhelm the senses. Clock changes disrupt routines and sleep.
Feeling off with the seasons isn’t in your head.
Changes in season affect AuDHD people more than you might expect. Heat, bright sunlight, heavy winter clothes and cold, wet weather all bring more sensory input. Shorter days can lower mood and energy. School holidays and the clocks changing disrupt the routines that keep things steady, and it can take a week or more to settle again. Because the changes come slowly, it is easy to feel off without realising the season is part of the reason.
Summer vs winter
Here is how the two compare:
| Summer | Winter |
|---|---|
| Heat and sweat | Dark mornings |
| Bright, glaring light | Heavy, scratchy layers |
| Days with no structure | Low mood and energy |
| Holidays break routines | Cold, wet sensory overload |
Every season has its challenges.
What it can look like
A few everyday examples:
- Feeling unsettled for a week after the clocks change
- Heat making everything feel too much
- Struggling to get up when it’s dark
- Hating winter coats and layers
- Summer holidays wrecking your routine
In summer
- Stay cool: Fans, cool showers, breathable fabrics.
- Block the brightness: Sunglasses, hats, blinds.
- Keep a routine: Holidays still need anchors.
- Go out at cooler times: Early morning or evening.
- Drink water: Set reminders.
In winter
- Get daylight: A morning walk, if you can.
- Try a light lamp: Some people find them helpful.
- Comfy layers: Soft, and easy to take off.
- Prepare for clock changes: Shift bedtime gradually.
- Watch your mood: Talk to your GP if it dips.
Where to start
Notice which times of year are hardest for you, and plan for them. In summer, keep cool and keep some structure in long days. In winter, get outside in daylight when you can and choose layers that feel comfortable. If your mood drops badly at certain times of year, talk to your GP.
The bottom line
Adjust for every season.
This post is for awareness, not medical advice. If your mood drops with the seasons, talk to your GP.
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