Supporting Your Team: SAD, Sleep & Wellbeing

As the nights draw in and the UK moves clocks back on Sunday, 26 October 2025, many people feel the change in more ways than just an extra hour of sleep. The switch back to Greenwich Mean Time ushers in darker evenings and shorter days, which can trigger or worsen Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in some individuals. SAD is a recognised form of seasonal depression linked to reduced daylight, disrupted circadian rhythms, and changes in hormones like melatonin and serotonin.

For businesses, being aware of this is not just a matter of empathy — it’s about supporting employee health in a way that also supports productivity, morale, and retention. As part of Stoptober‑style thinking around health promotion, now is the perfect time to spotlight how you’re helping teams through the seasonal shift.

Why the Clock Change Can Trigger Low Mood

When the clocks go back, employees might feel more tired, sluggish, or low in mood. People with SAD often sleep more or struggle with motivation. Lower serotonin levels — fuelled by less sunlight — can worsen mood, while higher melatonin can make people feel sleepier or more lethargic. Some may even experience changes in appetite, social withdrawal or difficulty waking up.

What Employers Can Do to Help

This is where Workplace Health MOT’s health-promotion sessions can make a real difference. A typical MOT session includes a lifestyle and mental health discussion — an ideal moment to address how seasonal changes affect wellbeing.

Here’s how these sessions can support staff around SAD:

• Sleep & Stress Discussion: Health professionals can talk through practical strategies to improve sleep hygiene, manage stress, and stabilise circadian rhythms.

• Nutrition & Supplements: Guidance on getting key nutrients, such as Vitamin D, which is especially important in darker months. Lower vitamin D levels are linked to worse SAD symptoms, so supplementation or dietary advice can help.

• Mood‑Supporting Habits: Encouraging light exposure (morning walks, opening blinds), routine physical activity, and even light-therapy lamps can mitigate symptoms.

• Mental Wellbeing Tools: Building resilience through stress management techniques, talking therapies, or coaching — and helping people recognise when they may need further support.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Supporting staff through the autumn and winter isn’t just good for wellbeing — it’s smart business. When employees are struggling with low mood or sleep disruption, it can affect performance, engagement, and even day-to-day attendance. By running health-promotion sessions that specifically address the risks of SAD, you show your team that you care about their whole health — not just the basics.

Moreover, investing in mental and seasonal health can build trust. When people feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to feel loyal, valued, and motivated. That sense of care helps create a positive workplace culture — one where wellbeing is a top priority.

As we approach the clocks going back on 26 October, consider integrating SAD awareness into your workplace health plan. Through Workplace Health MOT, you can proactively help your people navigate this seasonal shift with practical advice, meaningful conversation, and personalised care. The result? A happier, healthier, more resilient workforce — even when the evenings are dark.