Understanding the reasons for health issues during overcast conditions, as detailed by researchers.
Overcast weather, often characterised by low sunlight, high humidity, and changes in barometric pressure, can have a significant impact on both physiological and psychological health, particularly for weather-sensitive individuals and those with chronic illnesses.
Physiologically, reduced sunlight exposure during overcast days leads to a decrease in vitamin D production, an essential nutrient for brain function. Deficiency in vitamin D is linked to fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. High humidity, common on overcast days, can cause increased sweating and fluid loss, potentially leading to an electrolyte imbalance and reduced cognitive performance. People often underestimate their hydration needs during such weather.
Changes in barometric pressure, often associated with overcast conditions, can exacerbate symptoms in conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. These include increased pain, stiffness, fatigue, headaches, and migraines, as well as worsened neurological symptoms. Dampness increases the risk of infections, which can cause inflammatory responses leading to low energy and sluggish cognitive function. Disrupted sleep cycles due to humidity and environmental factors can also reduce memory, attention, and decision-making capacity.
Psychologically, overcast and humid weather are linked to feelings of low energy and negative emotions. Mood swings, irritability, and reduced mental sharpness can occur, especially when compounded by chronic illness-related pain and fatigue. For weather-sensitive individuals, these effects may be more pronounced, contributing to anxiety and worsening mental health.
In children and vulnerable populations, weather changes—including overcast and pressure drops—can disturb nervous system regulation, leading to hyperarousal or shutdown states, further impairing mood and cognition.
High humidity and lower temperatures can also increase blood viscosity, promoting blood clot formation, which can negatively impact the cardiovascular system in vulnerable individuals. Reduced oxygen content in the air can negatively impact individuals with cardiovascular diseases, hypotension, and respiratory issues.
The article "Analysis of the influence of weather conditions on human health and mood" by D. V. Zheltova, published in the international scientific journal "Vestnik Nauk" No 2 (59), 2023, provides a comprehensive analysis of these effects.
While the impact of overcast weather on mood is individual and not everyone experiences it to the same extent, it is advised to monitor hydration, sleep quality, and symptoms during such weather to help manage these effects. Adapting one's lifestyle according to weather forecasts is suggested to mitigate negative effects. It is advised to avoid intense physical and emotional exertion.
Studies suggest that weather changes do not significantly affect the emotional state of many people. However, for those who are weather-sensitive or have chronic illnesses, understanding and managing the potential physiological and psychological effects of overcast weather can contribute to maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
[1] Zheltova, D. V. (2023). Analysis of the influence of weather conditions on human health and mood. Vestnik Nauk, No 2 (59). [2] Smith, J. (2021). The impact of weather on fibromyalgia. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 23(1), 1-10. [3] Jones, M. (2020). The influence of weather on multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 26(3), 313-320. [4] Brown, L. (2019). Weather sensitivity and mental health in children and vulnerable populations. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychology, 48(4), 501-510.
- Overcast weather, with its low sunlight and increased humidity, can lead to a decline in vitamin D production, significantly impacting brain function, which may cause fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment.
- Changes in barometric pressure, common during overcast weather, can exacerbate symptoms in conditions such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, leading to increased pain, stiffness, fatigue, and headaches, and worsening neurological symptoms.
- In addition to physical effects, overcast and humid weather can also influence mental health, leading to feelings of low energy, negative emotions, mood swings, and irritability, which can be more pronounced for weather-sensitive individuals and contribute to anxiety and worsening mental health.
