The biological causes of Monday anxiety: scientists found an exact answer

When people start the week with the first working day, the strong anxiety they feel is not limited only to working hours — sometimes it completely covers the lives of retirees as well. This was clearly confirmed by the latest large-scale study by British scientists, writes nature.com. Specialists have studied the real causes of “Monday syndrome” and its effects on the body at the biological level.

How was the research conducted?

The analysis was organized as part of a project on the study of population aging, which has been conducted every two years in the UK since 2002. Thousands of Britons aged 50 and older participated in the study. Demographic data was collected through surveys and interviews, and biomarkers — in a special laboratory environment. The final statistical sample included more than 3,500 participants.

Using the developed methodology, researchers analyzed the level of the stress hormone cortisol in people’s hair on different days of the week. In addition, the total amount of glucocorticoid production and other indicators affecting quality of life were also determined. All main factors were taken into account: age, sex, education, marital status, ethnic origin, smoking or not, medication use, hair color, menstrual cycle in women, and season.

Results: Monday anxiety and its consequences

The results of the study showed that in people who experience anxiety on Mondays, the level of cortisol in their hair was on average 23% higher than on other days. Another important conclusion: the effect of Monday stress is noticeable not only among those who work, but also among the unemployed and even retirees. Hormonal changes lead to imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and other physiological problems.

In addition, continuous observation of the population showed that on Mondays, the number of heart attacks, sudden cardiac arrests, and suicides increased by 19%. This means that the stress load on the body at the beginning of the week can pose a serious threat to life.

Significance of the study and practical conclusions

According to British scientists, for the first time, the biological mechanisms of the occurrence of “Monday syndrome” were scientifically confirmed. This opens the way for the introduction of new preventive measures in the future to prevent cardiovascular, mental diseases, and other disorders. Hospitals and medical institutions are advised to take into account that on Mondays, the number of heart-related visits increases.

The main advantages of the study are a large and representative sample, as well as the high accuracy achieved through an in-depth analysis of the human hormonal system.

We all need to understand that we should take the emotional pressure at the beginning of the week lightly. We may feel the consequences tomorrow, not today. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!