With longer days, colder temperatures and little sun exposure, it's natural to crave more time in bed. You may feel tired, groggy and sluggish all day long.
"We have less exposure to sunlight during the winter months, and that affects our internal clock," says Luisa Bazan, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health System. So it makes sense that many of us want to hibernate through December, January and February.
Scientific Reasons For The Winter Slump
Several physiological factors converge to make people feel more wiped out during the winter. A few of the most common:
- Reduced sun exposure. The days get shorter during the winter months, especially in northern states, Dr. Bazan says. Unfortunately, reduced sun exposure can dramatically affect your circadian rhythm, causing your body to produce more melatonin (a.k.a., the sleep hormone). The end result: You feel tired more often.
- Less vitamin D. Sunlight is a key source of vitamin D. With just 10 minutes of sun exposure, most people can produce enough vitamin D for the day. But getting those 10 minutes is harder in winter. And because vitamin D is a hormone, it has a tremendous impact on mood, energy level and immune function. Concerned you may be deficient? Ask your doctor to test your levels.
- Mood disturbances. Many people struggle with sadness, depression and anxiety during the winter. There's actually a psychological disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to describe the experience. Add physical distancing, post-holiday blues, and sleep disturbances to the mix, and it's no wonder exhaustion sets in. "It's important to understand that if we have a sleep loss because of anxiety that we're living through, that can produce more depression and mood disorders," Dr. Bazan says.
The above information was obtained from the Henry Ford Health System website. Visit their website to see more information pertaining to Winter Fatigue:
