Causes of fatigue in winter

The first and one of the most important is the lack of sun. A significant and very long reduction in daylight hours in winter, when the dark time of day only increases for months, leads to two consequences. Firstly, it has a depressing effect on the psyche, which finds it difficult to function normally in constant twilight.

Secondly, under the influence of sunlight, more precisely, the ultraviolet part of its spectrum, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced in our skin. The less light we get, the lower the level of this vitamin. D3 deficiency causes chronic fatigue, decreased stamina, depressive states, emotional swings, including severe irritability or sudden attacks of tearfulness. And the lack of D3 leads to sleep disorders, which also prevents us from resting and recovering normally. Deterioration of memory and attention are also consequences of vitamin deficiency.

The second reason is the effect of sunlight on the production and metabolism of melatonin and serotonin.

These hormones form and maintain our mood, regulate sleep and wake cycles. Normally, when it gets dark, serotonin turns into melatonin, which causes drowsiness, and gradually we fall asleep.

But this is in spring and summer. And in winter, when the daylight is very short, too long darkness leads to the fact that melatonin is produced too much, and serotonin is not enough. So gradually a heavy, drowsy state is formed, the emotional background decreases, the mood worsens.

Finally, the third reason is the banal lack of vitamins and trace elements that we get from fresh vegetables, fruits, berries and greens. Compotes and jam are not able to replace in this sense an ordinary apple, strawberry or zucchini. The worse the nutrition, the harder it is for the body to function, including maintaining brain function and emotional background.