Why winter makes women grumpier than men

By Lucy Brimble via SWNS

Women are grumpier than men during the winter months, according to research.

A poll, of 2,011 adults, found six in 10 females admit to being in a bad mood between December and February – compared to 48 percent of males.

Miserable weather was the top reason women felt this way (87 percent), while men blamed it on a lack of sunshine (81 percent).

As a result, 42 percent of all adults are imminently likely to book a holiday to give them something look forward to, with 32 percent more inclined to do this than they were five years ago.

It also emerged feeling the sun on their skin (55 percent), spending more time outside (53 percent), and the general warmer weather (61 percent), are things people miss at this time of year in the UK.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays, which commissioned the research, said: “The first Saturday after Christmas and New Year is traditionally a very busy time for holiday bookings.

“This year will be no different, as people look to swap the cold and wet UK for some much-needed sunshine.

“Our research and data tells us that people feel more inclined to book a sunshine holiday than ever, so with the festivities over, we’re expecting the usual post-Christmas and New Year rush.”

The study found lack of sleep (33 percent), low moods (31 percent), and feeling irritable (24 percent) were among the direct results of reduced daylight during winter.

Unsurprisingly, 44 percent would be happy to get rid of the changing clocks, as 23 percent believe this is an outdated tradition, with 34 percent keen to see more sun during the darker months.

If the UK had more daylight hours, the average adult would spend an additional three and a half hours outside each week, according to the OnePoll study.

To combat the lack of sunshine during the colder months, 42 percent take a Vitamin D supplement and 35 percent keep their curtains or blinds open for as long as possible.

While 98 percent are aware of how important sunshine is for their overall wellbeing, with 85 percent claiming a holiday has a positive impact on them.

Steve Heapy added: “People very much consider a holiday to be essential for their wellbeing and are prioritizing getting their all-important getaway booked in their diaries.

“As more people than ever look to secure a well-deserved holiday, we are seeing great demand across the board for favorites such as the Canaries, the Balearics, Mainland Spain, Turkey and Greece, as well as for the Italian Beach, Bulgaria, Malta and Croatia.”