Seasonal Affective Disorder is most commonly associated with which group?

• A. Day workers
• B. Night workers
• C. Outdoor workers
• D. Children

Answer: (B)

Seasonal Affective Disorder stems from the body's circadian rhythm being driven by light. In winter, when daylight is scarce, the body’s internal clock and mood-regulating systems can become out of sync. Night workers are especially prone because their schedules invert the normal light-dark cycle: they stay awake and exposed to light at night and sleep during the day when daylight is available. This persistent misalignment between the external environment and the internal clock disrupts sleep and mood regulation more than regular daytime schedules, increasing vulnerability to seasonal mood changes. Outdoor workers typically receive more daylight exposure, which helps stabilize the circadian rhythm, and day workers maintain a conventional schedule, so they’re less strongly linked to SAD. Children can experience mood disorders too, but SAD is most commonly associated with adults who have irregular or night-shift schedules, making night workers the best answer.