Darrick Robles __The sun is shining, the days are getting longer and instead of getting active do you just need to lie on the couch? The reason for this could be spring fatigue. In the spring months, many people complain of being very tired, exhausted and listless. __
But why do we actually get so tired when the weather outside is becoming more and more inviting? Here you can find out where spring fatigue comes from, how it manifests itself and what you can do about it.
What is springtime fatigue?
Experts disagree on the exact cause. For a long time, doctors assumed that spring fatigue was the result of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies from the winter months.
Today, however, it is assumed that the hormonal balance gets out of balance in spring due to the change in the weather. This mainly affects the serotonin and melatonin levels.
Most people are familiar with serotonin as the “feel-good hormone” because, among other things, it has a relaxing and mood-enhancing effect and promotes our motivation. Melatonin is formed from serotonin and regulates the sleep-wake cycle in the body. Melatonin is also often referred to as the “sleep hormone”.
So in spring, when the temperatures rise and the days get longer, it can unbalance the levels of melatonin and serotonin in your body, making you extra tired .
It takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the body to get used to the warm spring weather. If the weather is changeable, as is often the case in April and May, the adjustment phase can even be longer.
This is how spring fatigue manifests itself
As the word suggests, fatigue is the main sign of springtime fatigue. There are a few side effects that sufferers often complain about, including:
- exhaustion
- dizziness
- circulatory problems
- headache
- irritation
- listlessness
Tips against spring fatigue
Even if you unfortunately cannot influence the weather and temperatures, you are not completely at the mercy of tiredness. There are a few things you can do to combat spring fatigue.
1. Get some fresh air. Fresh air has a stimulating effect and increases your ability to concentrate. In addition, your body can acclimate better, by being outside it gets used to the weather. 2. Get some exercise outdoors. Movement and sunlight also have an activating effect, because sport is good for blood pressure. Daylight also acts as a kind of biological alarm clock. 3. Eat a balanced diet. This works best with lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grain products, legumes and lean meat. You can find out more about this in this article . 4. Do contrast showers.Regular showering with alternating cold and warm water as well as visits to the sauna and steam bath dilate the blood vessels and allow the body to get used to it more quickly. 5. Drink enough water. As a vital element, water in sufficient quantities maintains the performance of your body. So if you drink enough regularly (1.5 to 2.5 liters a day), you have more energy.
Incidentally, springtime fatigue can affect anyone, but people who are sensitive to the weather and people with low blood pressure are more susceptible to it. However, the healthier and more active you are, the less likely it is that the changing seasons will have a major impact on your well-being.
Do I have to see a doctor if I have spring fatigue?
If the symptoms only appear for a short time, there is no reason to consult a doctor.
Chronic fatigue that lasts for a long time, on the other hand, can be a sign of a disease or other health problem. For example, a vitamin or nutrient deficiency often manifests itself as tiredness. Also in combination with other symptoms such. B. Night sweats, it makes sense to consult a doctor. They can help you get to the bottom of the causes and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.
