Reasons Behind Winter Tiredness
Have you ever noticed how it’s harder to get out of bed in the winter months? Or why you feel more tired during the day, regardless of how much sleep you get the night before? This phenomenon is more common than you think and can be explained by science. Let’s take a look at why we feel so tired when the seasons change!
The Impacts of Daylight Savings
One of the major contributors to feeling tired during the winter is daylight savings time. When daylight savings time ends and we “fall back” an hour, our body clocks are thrown off. Despite gaining an extra hour of sleep, many individuals still experience fatigue due to the disruption in their natural body clock. It takes our bodies some time to adjust, and this adjustment can last for weeks or even months.
Reduced Sunlight Exposure
The reduced sunlight exposure that comes with winter can cause us to become more sluggish and sleepier. This is because our bodies produce melatonin—a hormone responsible for helping us fall asleep—in response to darkness. Since there are fewer hours of sunlight during the winter, our bodies automatically assume it’s time for bed! To combat this effect, make sure you get outside as much as possible when there is sun available. Try taking a walk around your neighborhood or eating lunch with friends. Even though it may be cold outside, getting some fresh air can help wake up your mind and body.
Unfavorable Changes in Temperature
Cold weather can zap your energy and make you feel tired! Fluctuating temperatures can have an impact on how we feel physically and mentally throughout the day. As temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18°C), our bodies tend to conserve energy by slowing down metabolism and reducing physical activity levels, which leads us to feel sluggish and less alert than usual. To keep your energy levels up during these colder months, make sure you bundle up when stepping outside; layers will keep your body temperature regulated while exercising or running errands outdoors!
Your Body May Be Low on Iron
If you feel more tired in the winter, it’s also highly likely that your body is low on iron and may be suffering from iron deficiency or anemia. These reduce the amount of hemoglobin in our blood, which can lead to symptoms such as trying to stay awake during the day and sleeping more than usual at night. Low iron stores can also contribute to decreased cognitive function, most notably affecting memory. It’s important to speak to your doctor if you think iron deficiency or anemia might be contributing to feelings of tiredness in the winter.
Other reasons for winter fatigue are:
- You may not be getting as much exercise in the winter because it’s colder outside.
- You may be eating more comfort foods in the winter.
- Winter weather can be very drying- which can lead to fatigue.
- Heating your home can use a lot of energy and make you tired.
Wintertime can be challenging for many people who find themselves struggling with exhaustion despite getting adequate amounts of sleep each night. While there are several contributing factors – such as changes in daylight savings time, reduced sunlight exposure, unfavorable changes in temperature, and iron deficiency or anemia – the key is understanding how these factors affect you personally so that you can make necessary lifestyle adjustments accordingly. By doing so, you could focus on self-care activities such as stretching or yoga, or having health discussions with your doctor, and your body will thank you come springtime!
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