Mood is not random — it’s a reflection of timing.
Circadian Rhythm and Mood — How Light Shapes Emotion
Light does more than let us see — it directs the rhythm of our chemistry.
Each sunrise and sunset signal the body’s internal clock, aligning hormones, neurotransmitters, and mood.
When light exposure becomes irregular, our emotional stability fades, not because of weakness, but because biology loses its rhythm.
Each sunrise and sunset signal the body’s internal clock, aligning hormones, neurotransmitters, and mood.
When light exposure becomes irregular, our emotional stability fades, not because of weakness, but because biology loses its rhythm.
The Body’s Inner Day
Deep within the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) works as the master clock.
It synchronizes every cell of the body using signals from light and darkness.
When morning light reaches the eyes, it triggers a cascade — serotonin, cortisol, body temperature, and alertness all rise.
When darkness falls, melatonin increases, preparing the body for sleep and regeneration.
It synchronizes every cell of the body using signals from light and darkness.
When morning light reaches the eyes, it triggers a cascade — serotonin, cortisol, body temperature, and alertness all rise.
When darkness falls, melatonin increases, preparing the body for sleep and regeneration.
Healthy mood depends on the precision of this timing:
- Too little morning light = low serotonin, sluggish energy.
- Too much artificial light at night = delayed melatonin, restless sleep.
- Irregular rhythm = emotional instability, irritability, or fatigue.
Stress and the Flattened Rhythm
When stress persists, cortisol levels stay elevated, disrupting the morning–evening cycle.
The body becomes trapped between day and night — tired yet alert.
This “flattened rhythm” is common in modern life: artificial lighting, long screen exposure, irregular meals, and emotional overdrive keep the clock from resetting.
Chronic desynchronization has been linked with mood disorders, chronic fatigue, and poor cognitive recovery after stress.
The solution isn’t just rest — it’s realignment.
The body becomes trapped between day and night — tired yet alert.
This “flattened rhythm” is common in modern life: artificial lighting, long screen exposure, irregular meals, and emotional overdrive keep the clock from resetting.
Chronic desynchronization has been linked with mood disorders, chronic fatigue, and poor cognitive recovery after stress.
The solution isn’t just rest — it’s realignment.
Restoring Rhythm Through Light and Calm
Simple, consistent cues can resynchronize the inner clock:
Morning sunlight (15–30 minutes)
within the first hour after waking.
Regular meal times —
food acts as a secondary time signal.
Movement and daylight exposure
during work hours.
Dim light and calm rituals
after sunset — allow melatonin to rise.
No bright screens
1–2 hours before bed; blue light delays circadian onset.
Botanical Support for Emotional Stability
Certain plants are traditionally used to promote relaxation and help the body adapt to everyday stress.
Their effects are recognized as on-hold health claims in the EU Register (under evaluation – not authorized or rejected).
Their effects are recognized as on-hold health claims in the EU Register (under evaluation – not authorized or rejected).
Plant | On-hold claim summary | NDCLAIMS ID |
Melissa officinalis L. | Contributes to optimal relaxation and positive mood | 2680 |
Rhodiola rosea L. | Helps to maintain emotional balance and mental performance | 2680 |
Valeriana officinalis L. | Helps to maintain normal sleep and relaxation | 2302 |
Passiflora incarnata L. | Helps to induce calm and relaxation | 4717 |
These botanicals do not override the clock — they help the body relearn its natural rhythm of activation and res
Stop Stress® — Rhythm by Nature
The Stop Stress® system was designed around the body’s circadian flow — to support balance, not override it.
provides magnesium and B-vitamins to contribute to normal psychological function, energy metabolism, and stress resilience.
combines valerian and hops, and lemon balm, botanicals listed in the EU on-hold register for relaxation and sleep support (IDs 2680, 2302).
a lighter formulation for calm evenings and nighttime balance.
Together, they help restore the natural rhythm of alertness and rest, supporting emotional balance from dawn to dusk.
References and Further Reading
EU Register on Nutrition and Health Claims — https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/labelling-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-health-claims/eu-register-health-claims_en
NDCLAIMS Database (on-hold botanical claims) — https://www.ndclaims.eu/
NDCLAIMS Database (on-hold botanical claims) — https://www.ndclaims.eu/
- Cajochen, C., Kräuchi, K., & Wirz-Justice, A. (2003). Role of melatonin in the regulation of human circadian rhythms and sleep. Journal of neuroendocrinology, 15(4), 432–437. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2826.2003.00989.x
- Leproult, R., & Van Cauter, E. (2010). Role of sleep and sleep loss in hormonal release and metabolism. Endocrine development, 17, 11–21. https://doi.org/10.1159/000262524
- Dijk, D. J., & Archer, S. N. (2009). Light, sleep, and circadian rhythms: together again. PLoS biology, 7(6), e1000145. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1000145
Get in Touch
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Latvia
Brivibas gatve 369 k-2, Riga
t.: +371 67 323 499
hello@stopstress.de
Brivibas gatve 369 k-2, Riga
t.: +371 67 323 499
hello@stopstress.de
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before use.
Learn more about our quality and manufacturing standards.
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before use.
Learn more about our quality and manufacturing standards.