Is It Laziness or Seasonal Affective Disorder? The Academic Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

The days are getting noticeably shorter, the mornings are darker, and for many parents, the post-summer energy in their household has vanished. Experts are warning that the sudden drop in your teenager’s motivation, focus, and willingness to study may not be simple laziness or a refusal to get back into routine; it could be the subtle onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Often mistaken for common academic fatigue, SAD is a form of depression that recurs seasonally, triggered by the lack of sunlight in the darker months. Ignoring these academic red flags now can severely impact exam preparation as the crucial mock season approaches.

Lindsey Wright, academic well-being specialist at Tutors Valley, warns that SAD often manifests academically before it does emotionally, making it hard for parents to spot.

“Parents often see a reluctance to start homework, but what’s happening is a change in brain chemistry,” explains Lindsey. “The lack of sunlight disrupts the production of serotonin and melatonin, making it physically difficult for a teenager to feel motivated or maintain focus. It feels like mental fatigue, but it’s a direct consequence of the environment.”

This issue carries a significant health burden: Research shows that up to 10% of the UK population suffers from SAD, and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to fluctuating hormones and sleep patterns.

The three silent academic signs it’s sad, not slump

If you spot these three subtle shifts in your teenager’s behaviour, experts advise immediate intervention:

1. Homework procrastination

The student suddenly expresses a strong preference for working only after 7 PM or 8 PM, struggling to start or maintain focus in the late afternoon (4 PM-6 PM).

• Why it’s SAD: This is often a sign their body clock is struggling to synchronise with the fading light. They are delaying the start of taxing cognitive tasks until their internal systems are fully “awake” for the evening cycle, meaning prime daylight revision time is wasted.

2. Carb and sugar cravings

You notice an urgent, almost desperate, increase in cravings for high-carb, sugary, or starchy snacks immediately after school.

• Why it’s SAD: Low serotonin levels often trigger strong cravings for foods that temporarily boost this chemical (like sugar and starches). It’s the body unconsciously trying to self-medicate for low mood and energy.

3. Reluctant to get up

The teenager is no longer getting up promptly for school or showing a visible struggle to shift from bed to desk on weekend mornings.

• Why it’s SAD: The seasonal shift can lead to “melatonin overflow.” The body is producing more sleep hormones due to the low light, making it incredibly hard to wake up properly. This constant low energy directly impacts their ability to complete complex tasks, which parents then interpret as an avoidance tactic.

Instead of nagging, Lindsey advises tackling the core environmental issue with light therapy:

“The first, non-medical step parents should take is to mimic the presence of morning sun during the afternoon. Position a high-intensity daylight lamp (often marketed as an anti-SAD lamp or a strong task light) near their study desk. Use it between 4 PM and 6 PM while they do homework. This focused light helps regulate the brain’s clock, making them feel more alert and focused during those critical revision hours when it’s already dark outside.”

By recognising the physical impact of short days, parents can offer the right solution rather than mistakenly punishing the symptoms of a seasonal condition.

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