Light and fresh air defeats spring fatigue

With light and fresh air defeat the spring fatigue

13.03.2012

Spring tiredness is one of the typical phenomena after the long dark winter time. Persistent yawning, heavy legs, coughing and runny nose are among the classic symptoms that many people suffer as the days get brighter and longer. Where the spring fatigue comes from and what helps against it, explains the expert Werner Cassel.

Sleep deficit leads to spring fatigue
Werner Cassel, psychologist from the Sleep Medicine Center of the University Hospital Giessen and Marburg explains: „One reason for this is an unnoticed sleep deficit. When the days get longer again, most people involuntarily go to bed a little later and wake up a bit earlier.“ In the summer-winter difference, this can result in up to half an hour sleep deficit per night. „This is recovery time that is missing“, explains the expert.

Cassel further reports that hibernation is longer than summer sleep. That's why he is „less dense“. „The sleep is a bit flatter overall.“ This is not a problem as long as sleep takes longer, but this is often not kept due to the shorter nights in spring.

In addition, the foods that were on the menu during the winter, sweet and rich in fat. However, the body needs nutrient- and vitamin-rich food. The immune system is thus additionally weakened, especially in winter, explains Cassel. „This also makes you tired - and prone to infections. That's why most people get their bad cold in March rather than in December.“

Imbalance in hormone balance also causes spring fatigue
The human organism undergoes a transitional phase in which it sets itself from darker and shorter winter days to more brightness and longer days in spring. The hormone melatonin, which is formed in the brain in the so-called pineal gland (epiphysis), has a great influence on the day-night rhythm in the organism. This has to switch to a reduced distribution. In addition, the hormone serotonin, which affects both the sleep rhythm and the mood, is increasingly released by the brightness. It may take a few weeks for these functions to come to fruition. Despite the warming sunbeams, many people suffer from drowsiness, tiredness and mood swings.

What helps with spring fatigue?
Spring tired people should often be out in the fresh air and eat fresh, healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to encourage the organism to adapt to new environmental conditions as quickly as possible. A change shower in the morning and rubbing with a brush lead to the circulation activation. Drinking plenty of fluids, preferably water, helps to stimulate and release toxins. Concerned should also pay attention to sleep. (Ag)

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Image: Paul-Georg Meister