Natural Health: My mum is healthy but her mood has dipped 

Researchers have found that the hormones and brain chemicals which control mood and sleeping patterns are linked to seasonal affective disorder.

The most common reason many people feel lower in mood than usual is spending more time indoors due to the cold, which limits daylight exposure. Picture: iStock

My mum is 80 and was very independent until recently. I’ve noticed her mood has dipped and she’s quieter than usual. It could be weather-related as she is spending more time indoors due to the cold. Her doctor recently gave her a clean bill of health, which was reassuring.

The most common reason many people feel lower in mood than usual is spending more time indoors due to the cold, which limits daylight exposure. When the colder season and shorter days are upon us, it can trigger SAD (seasonal affective disorder). SAD is thought to affect up to a quarter of the adult population, with the main symptom being depression and low mood.