'Cabin fever' in January leads to two-thirds of Brits breaking up

London, Jan 20 (ANI): Arguments between partners in Britain rise up to an average of eight minutes a day in January and two thirds have broken up with a lover at the start of the year, as a result of 'cabin fever', research has said.

The study of over 1,000 people by Sheilas' Wheels home insurance found that long hours at home result in 20 arguments with other halves during the month.

Compared with the 14 hours and 48 minutes a day in January that people spend cooped up during the summer months, they spend just ten hours and five minutes at home and couples have just 16 arguments.

"Cabin Fever is a real phenomenon that takes place during the dark winter months, particularly January," the Daily Mail quoted behavioural psychologist Donna Dawson as saying.

"The lack of sunlight can make us feel lethargic and depressed, and the lack of exercise and the fact that we are cooped up in a stuffy, centrally-heated house can make us feel edgy, irritable and stressed.

"Add boredom to the mix, alongside any financial issues and too much empty time with our partners, and you have the perfect recipe for arguments and consequent break-ups," she said.

Over two thirds of Britons blamed the weather for wanting to spend more time indoors, while 65 per cent said it was the lack of daylight and a third said they were tightening their belts after Christmas.

As a result nearly half of those questioned cut down on the number of friends they see in the first month of the year, while a third also claimed they neglect their family.

The January blues struck 38 per cent with under 25s being the worst hit at 48 per cent and almost half saying that January was the most depressing month of the year.

65 per cent have ended a relationship in January and seven per cent even confessed that they had broken up with someone as part of a New Year's resolution.

"The miserable weather, dark nights and lack of cash means we're spending more time at home during January and this can put a strain on our relationships," Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels home insurance was quoted as saying.

"Getting regular exercise, arranging to see friends and family and taking up a new hobby can all help to keep spirits high during January," Brown said. (ANI)