Why Do Some People Feel Worse in Winter? Exploring the Science of SAD

Why does winter seem to hit some people significantly harder than others?

Is it purely biological, or are you just "not trying hard enough" to stay positive?

As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, many people notice a seasonal shift in energy, sleep, mood, and motivation. But while a general "winter dip" affects a broad population, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised depressive condition with distinct biological markers.

Drawing on psychology, chronobiology, and nutrition research, Performance Nutritionist Alison Diss unpacks why certain individuals are more biologically vulnerable to seasonal low mood. From circadian rhythm drift and chronotypes (night owls) to sex differences, latitude, vitamin D, and gut microbiome research, this session explores the evidence behind winter mood changes.

You will gain a grounded understanding of what current research reveals—separating factors you cannot change from what you can realistically influence through light exposure, sleep consistency, movement, and evidence-based nutrition—and learn when it is time to seek clinical support.

Event Schedule

Please arrive by 19:15 to check in and get settled before the talk begins; doors will close at this time so we can start the talk promptly at 19:30

• 19:00 – 19:30 Arrival & Warm-Up Activity
• 19:30 – 20:15 Talk
• 20:15 – 20:30 Q&A
• 20:30 – 21:00 Optional Networking

You'll Discover

• The key differences between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and a general winter dip in mood
• How chronotype, body-clock rhythms, sex differences, and biology contribute to seasonal vulnerability
• Why latitude matters less than expected and what geography vs. internal clocks reveal about low mood
• Realistic, research-grounded strategies to support your energy, sleep, light exposure, and nutrition during winter, as well as guidance on when to seek clinical support

About the Speaker

Alison Diss is a Performance Nutritionist & PT with a Postgraduate Degree & Practice Diploma in Personalised Nutrition, and the founder of The Realign Method. She helps ambitious professionals unlock mental sharpness and sustained energy through science-backed nutrition and training strategies that build resilience under pressure. Having navigated her own health and energy challenges within demanding corporate environments, Alison empowers audiences to understand their physiology, cut through wellness noise, and operate at the level their ambition demands.

Website and Social Media Handles

• Website: www.alisondissnutrition.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisondissnutrition/
• LinkedIn: Alison Diss on LinkedIn
• Free Resource: Alison Diss Freebie

Ticket Options

• Early Bird: Discounted early-access ticket. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording.
• Community Ticket: Lower-cost ticket for students, lower-income attendees, carers, or anyone currently facing financial barriers. Includes in-person entry, livestream access, and recording.
• General Admission: Standard in-person ticket. Includes livestream access and recording.
• Final Release: Final allocation of in-person tickets. Includes livestream access and recording.
• Bring a friend (admits 2): Grab a +1 and share the fun! Includes in-person tickets, livestream access, and recording for both.

OR

• Livestream & Recording: ONLY remote access ticket with livestream and recording included.

All recordings will be shared privately within 2 weeks of the event

Venue: Please allow a little extra time if travelling during peak hours, major sporting events, or potential travel disruption.At the time of publishing, there are no planned strike actions. However, this may change, so we recommend checking your route before purchasing tickets if you may be affected, as tickets are non-refundable: TfL Strike Updates

• Age & IDs: The event takes place in a licensed venue; you may be asked to show valid ID. Please bring identification if you look under 25, otherwise you may be refused entry to the establishment.
• Enquiries & Waitlist: Please do not contact the speaker or founder directly regarding tickets. Use the Eventbrite contact function or join the waitlist. If events sell out, additional dates may be released. Waitlist members should monitor their inbox, including spam or junk folders. Ticket offers remain valid for 6 hours before being released to the next person.
• On-the-Day Tickets: No tickets will be available at the door.
• Livestream Access: A livestream option is available. Access details will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event.
• Photography & Recording: Photos and recordings may be taken for promotional and archival purposes. If you’d prefer not to be included, please email us in advance or speak to the team on the day.
• Talk Recording: The talk will be recorded and shared privately with attendees within 4 weeks. The recording is for personal use only. If you haven’t received it within 4 weeks, please check your spam or junk folder before getting in touch. The link will expire after 3 months.
• Arrival Time: Please arrive by 19:15 and be seated before the talk begins to avoid disruption.
• Stay in the Circle: You’ll be added to the Mind Circles Talks mailing list after booking. You can opt out at any time.
• Get Early-Release Tickets: Join our Inner Circle WhatsApp broadcast channel for early-release tickets and Mind Circles Talks updates: WhatsApp Channel

Event venue

ustwo London, 154-158 Shoreditch High Street, London, United Kingdom

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