ZOE Science & Nutrition The science of winter depression with Prof. Debra Skene – leading chronobiologist
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Oct 30, 2025 
Prof. Deborah Skene, a leading chronobiologist at the University of Surrey, dives into the impact of circadian rhythms on our health as winter approaches. She discusses how our internal 'master clock' affects sleep, mood, and metabolism, revealing the surprising health risks of misalignment, particularly for night shift workers. Light, especially blue light, plays a crucial role in regulating our body clocks; Skene offers practical tips on maximizing morning light exposure while reducing evening brightness to combat winter blues and maintain our well-being.
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Social Jet Lag Harms Health
- Social jet lag (weekday vs weekend timing differences) correlates with higher body weight and worse mood.
- Reducing weekday/weekend timing gaps improves performance and health outcomes.
Counter Winter Clock Delays
- Expect later body-clock timing and reduced daylight exposure in winter, and compensate where you can.
- Use morning light to prevent winter-related shifts in sleep and mood.
Use Light Therapy For SAD
- Use light therapy (light boxes) in the morning for seasonal affective disorder; studies show efficacy.
- Treat SAD as a direct light-responsive mood condition rather than only a sleep problem.