Daylight-saving time (DST) is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months to extend evening daylight and then shifting them back again as the days shorten. The concept was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, as a way to make better use of daylight hours and conserve energy. However, the modern idea of DST did not take hold until World War I, when several countries, including Germany and the United States, adopted it as a measure to save fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting.

In the United States, DST was standardized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the practice initially aimed to reduce energy consumption, studies show its effects on energy savings are marginal today, and opinions about its relevance are mixed. In most of the U.S., DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, meaning that in early November, clocks “fall back” one hour, giving people an extra hour of sleep.

Despite its benefits of longer daylight during summer evenings, many people experience discomfort during these time shifts. The adjustment in sleep patterns and sudden change in daylight can influence mood, leading to emotional shifts that can affect everyday life, including decision-making processes.

The emotional impact of daylight and its role in decision-making

Scientific studies show that daylight has a profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being. Light exposure influences the brain’s production of serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. When daylight decreases, such as during the fall and winter months, serotonin levels can drop, leading to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is marked by symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Even people without SAD can feel more sluggish or irritable during the shorter days. This emotional shift is not just an inconvenience – it has tangible effects on decision-making. When emotions are heightened, people tend to make decisions that are reactive, impulsive, or driven by short-term thinking.

Research in behavioral finance shows that investors are particularly vulnerable to emotional biases. During periods of emotional stress, they may overreact to market changes, selling investments in a panic during downturns or chasing speculative gains during periods of euphoria. Poor emotional regulation can lead to actions that go against long-term financial goals, such as selling at a loss or missing out on recovery opportunities.

Working with a financial advisor can help

Given the influence of emotions on investing, especially during the darker and more stressful months of the year, it is critical for investors to have a strategy in place to avoid emotional decision-making. Financial advisors play a key role in providing objective guidance, helping investors stay on course regardless of market volatility or personal stress.

An advisor can develop an investment plan rooted in long-term goals, reducing the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on short-term emotional shifts. By reviewing your portfolio regularly with an advisor, you can stay focused on data-driven insights instead of relying on emotional responses. This is especially important during the seasonal transitions when people might feel the effects of reduced daylight and increased stress.

Set your savings target

Daylight-saving time, while intended to make the most of available daylight, can impact emotions and decision-making in ways many people don’t realize. As daylight decreases, it’s natural for individuals to feel less energized or more emotionally sensitive – factors that can inadvertently influence financial decisions. 

Working with a financial advisor ensures that your investment strategy remains rational, even when emotions might urge otherwise. 

With a professional by your side, you can avoid common pitfalls in behavioral finance and stay on track toward achieving your financial goals, no matter the season.

Kent Patrick is with Bush Wealth Management. This information should not be construed by any client or prospective client as the rendering of personalized investment advice.  For more information, please visit BushWealth.com for full disclosures.