Weather's persistent fluctuations take a toll on our well-being. - Unpredictable shifts in weather patterns can lead to health issues for many people.
Grey Skies, Blue Feelings: Why the Weather Leaves Us Feeling Drained
By Tina Pokernapprox reading time - 3 minutes
"All grey, all grey in grey. All cold, all cold, cold, cold" - these lyrics from Berlin band Isolation Berlin might as well be describing the current weather in parts of Germany. It's a far cry from the sunny, warm days we yearn for, and it can leave us feeling, well, gloomy. But why do weather changes have such a dramatic impact on our moods?
While weather sensitivity was once dismissed as little more than a nuisance, an growing number of studies suggest that certain weather conditions, particularly those with significant temperature fluctuations and changes, can influence our mental well-being. A research team found that bad weather affects people's health more considerably than sunshine, according to a survey they conducted for the German Environment Agency. Of the nearly 1600 respondents, about 38 percent reported that poor weather directly impacted their health during cold and stormy conditions, while only six percent experienced issues related to the sun. The most common weather-related complaints included headaches, fatigue, and sleeping disorders. Although the German Weather Service might not be giving out sunshine forecasts just yet, they now issue bio-weather forecasts.
A Stormy Hunting Ground for Hormones
It's not just the temperature changes that have our hormones on a rollercoaster. Our sleep-wake rhythm is regulated by a hormone called melatonin, which becomes more abundant in our bodies when it's dark outside. If we're not getting enough sunlight or if the days aren't bright enough, the melatonin level in our bodies can stay elevated, causing chaos in our sleep rhythm. This misalignment can lead to feelings of fatigue, a sullen mood, and an overall lack of motivation. If these symptoms persist over a long period, they may even develop into full-blown depression. This disorder, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), tends to manifest when the days get shorter and darker during the autumn months, causing an increase in melatonin production. Conversely, the summer depression, or summer SAD, may be triggered by the heat and humidity, causing feelings of irritability and agitation.
Beyond hormones, stress and overall health status also play a role in weather sensitivity.
According to estimates, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population experiences some form of mild seasonal depression, characterized by difficulty waking up, constant fatigue, and increased cravings for sweets. A more severe depressive episode might present with daytime exhaustion, lack of energy, anxiety, fatigue and a desire to withdraw socially. For those experiencing these symptoms, consult with a specialist to determine whether it's a seasonal or another type of depression. Studies suggest younger individuals and women are more likely to suffer from seasonal depression.
If you find yourself feeling down when the weather takes a turn for the worse, don't lose hope. Simple activities like going for a walk can provide some relief, even if the outdoors isn't inviting. The UV light that penetrates cloudy skies is still beneficial, so spending at least an hour outside daily is recommended. If that's not feasible, light therapy lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can be used as an alternative.
- Bad Weather
- Depression
- Hormones
[1] Understanding the connection between weather sensitivity, hormonal imbalance, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) requires examining how changes in weather, particularly seasonal shifts, affect mood and hormonal levels, contributing to or aggravating conditions such as SAD. Affecting approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population, SAD primarily occurs during autumn and winter, but may also occur during the summer. Symptoms can include sadness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and changes in appetite.
[2] Weather Sensitivity and Mood: Those who are weather-sensitive may find their moods affected by changes in weather. Changes in weather, particularly a lack of sunlight, can lead to fluctuations in emotions, which correlate with the weather conditions experienced.
[3] Hormonal Imbalance and SAD: SAD is linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving serotonin and melatonin. Reduced sunlight during winter months disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to decreased serotonin production and increased melatonin levels. This hormonal imbalance contributes to symptoms of depression, such as sadness and lethargy.
[4] SAD: The disorder itself is characterized by seasonal episodes of depression, typically occurring during the fall and winter due to reduced sunlight exposure, altering the body's internal clock and neurotransmitter balance. Common symptoms include sadness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and changes in appetite. While winter-pattern SAD is more common, some people experience summer-pattern SAD, which is triggered by heat and humidity leading to irritability and agitation.
[5] Climate Impact on Health: Studies reveal that weather conditions, specifically those with significant fluctuations, can significantly impact our physical health beyond mood changes. Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders are commonly reported during cold and stormy weather, according to a German Environment Agency survey.
[6] Science and Wellness: To combat the adverse effects of weather on our mental and physical well-being, researchers and healthcare professionals are exploring various therapies and treatments. These may include light therapy, UV light exposure, and nutritional adjustments tailored to different seasons.
[7] Health Care and Women's Health: Women are more likely to suffer from SAD, following studies suggesting a higher prevalence in female populations compared to males. Additionally, women's health encompasses a wide range of topics that extend beyond reproductive health, such as mental health, eye health, and skin care.
[8] Wellness and Nutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health and wellness. This involves consuming foods rich in vitamin D, which can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve mood during the winter months. Other nutritional considerations include addressing increased cravings for sweets during SAD episodes.
[9] CBD and Neurological Disorders: CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has shown promise in managing neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Acting on specific receptors in the brain, it may help alleviate symptoms related to SAD and other mental health conditions.
