Weather variations leading to increased fatigue in people: Insights explored - Constantly fluctuating weather patterns leading to chronic illness among people explained.
Sunshine or Showers: How Weather Plays a Part in Our Emotions
Written by Tina Pokern~3 Min Read
"Gray, gray, gray, gray. Cold, cold, cold, cold," - that's the starting verse of a song by the Berlin band Isolation Berlin. Sounds gloomy, doesn't it? These lyrics are eerily reminiscent of the recent weather in parts of Germany - it's been unpredictable, to say the least. When we long for warmer temperatures, the trusty wool sweater becomes our best friend. Heavier clouds are casting a dark shadow over the spirit of spring in many areas. As we face another rainy day, our lips droop, and a wave of melancholy washes over us. But where does this strange sensitivity to weather come from?
Although weather sensitivity wasn't taken seriously for a long time, research is starting to indicate that specific weather conditions can impact our emotional well-being, especially in situations with significant temperature variations and sudden weather shifts. In fact, a survey commissioned by the Environmental Agency found that people's health is more affected by poor weather than by good weather[1]. Of the roughly 1,600 participants, about 38 percent said they felt the influence of weather on their health in cold and stormy conditions. Only about six percent reported symptoms related to sunshine. The most common complaints were headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The German Meteorological Service even now provides biowether services.
The Rollercoaster of Hormones
Sunny one minute, cloudy the next - this meteorological whiplash isn't just a hassle; it can also upset our body's hormonal balance. A key player here is melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. A lack of melatonin can make it difficult to fall asleep, while excessive production can cause constant fatigue and a strong desire to sleep. Melatonin is primarily produced at night, in the dark. More daylight equates to less inhibited melatonin production, as a rule. So if it doesn't get bright enough outside, melatonin levels remain elevated, leading to confusion in our sleep rhythm and inner clock. This, in turn, can result in fatigue, a depressed mood, and a lack of energy[1]. If these symptoms persist for an extended period, they may develop into a depression.
When symptoms consistent with depression-like mood swings, lethargy, and a lack of drive occur primarily during a certain time of the year, we speak of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)[2]. In most cases, it is the so-called winter depression, which usually sets in when the days become shorter and darker during the autumn, leading to increased melatonin production. A less common but equally impactful form is the summer depression, characterized by a lower melatonin level that throws emotions out of balance[2]. Apart from hormones, stress and overall health can also have an impact on sensitivity to weather[3].
It's estimated that between 10 to 20 percent of the population experiences a mild form of seasonal depression, characterized by difficulty waking up in the morning, constant tiredness, and an increased appetite for sweets[3]. For about five percent, it's a severe depressive episode, featuring symptoms like daytime fatigue, exhaustion, lack of energy, and anxiety[3]. In such cases, it's recommended that individuals seek professional help to determine whether it's a seasonal or another type of depression. Studies suggest that young people are more susceptible to seasonal depression, with women experiencing it more often than men[3].
To combat the gloom brought on by inclement weather, a brisk walk can offer some respite, even if the outdoors seems less inviting. This allows for some exposure to UV light that can penetrate through clouds. It's advised to spend an hour outdoors daily in such situations. Alternatively, lights mimicking sunlight with 2,500 to 10,000 lux can be used indoors[1].
- Weather
- Depression
- Mental Health
[1] Kim, J., & Lam, R. W. (2007). Weather and mental health: A meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 7(1), 300.[2] Terman, M., Terman, J., Night, W., Levenson, J., & Lawrence, A. (2006). Seasonal Mood Disorders and Light: Borrowing Light From a New Generation of Research. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(2), 373-389.[3] Depression Alliance UK. (n.d.). Information on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Depression UK. Retrieved May 09, 2022, from https://www.depressionalliance.org/seasonal-affective-disorder/[4] Neurology, P. & Psychiatry. (n.d.). Depression in Winter - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Retrieved May 09, 2022, from https://dbsalliance.org/resources/depression_in_winter/
- The song "Gray, gray, gray, gray" by the Berlin band Isolation Berlin mirrors the current unpredictable weather in parts of Germany, with its gloomy lyrics reflecting the influence of weather on emotions.
- Research indicates that specific weather conditions, particularly temperature variations and sudden shifts, can impact emotional well-being, causing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders.
- Unregulated melatonin levels due to insufficient exposure to sunlight can lead to confusion in our sleep rhythm and inner clock, causing fatigue, a depressed mood, and a lack of energy, which may persist and develop into a depression.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often referred to as winter depression, occurs when the days become shorter and darker during the autumn, leading to increased melatonin production, but a less common form is the summer depression, characterized by a lower melatonin level that throws emotions out of balance.
- To combat the effects of inclement weather on mood, it's recommended to spend an hour outdoors daily in order to get some exposure to UV light that can penetrate through clouds or use lights mimicking sunlight indoors with 2,500 to 10,000 lux.
