Persistent fluctuations in weather conditions causing widespread melancholy and irritation among the populace. - Weather fluctuations causing health issues explained
Feeling the Brunt: Why Constant Weather Fluctuations Leave Us Feeling Drained
- Penned by Tina Poke
- ⏱ - 3 Min
"Everything turned to gray, everything turned to gray, in gray. Every chill, every chill, chill, chill" - these are lyrics from the Berlin band Isolation Berlin's song. Remarkably, these words are not uncommon descriptions for the season in some parts of Germany - it seems to be raining all the time! For sun-seekers, a wool sweater is their constant companion in these seas of cold. Dark clouds are dampening the spring spirit in many places, leaving people with drooping mouth corners and a sense of melancholy. But why do changing weather conditions take such a toll on us?
Once considered merely a trivial annoyance, studies are increasingly indicating that weather fluctuations can impact emotional well-being, particularly when it comes to extreme temperature shifts and weather changes. A research team found that a survey they commissioned for the German Environment Agency showed that bad weather has a greater negative impact on people's health than sunshine. Roughly 38% of the 1,600 participants reported feeling the impacts of weather on their health in cold and stormy conditions, while only about 6% mentioned the sun as a source of discomfort. The most common complaints related to weather were headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The German Weather Service even offers bio-weather information now.
Weather turmoil can throw hormones off balance
A rollercoaster of weather conditions isn't just an annoyance; it can also affect hormone balance. One key player here is melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep patterns. When melatonin levels are too high, it can cause constant fatigue and a desire to sleep all the time. Melatonin is primarily produced at night, during dark hours. With less sunlight, melatonin production is usually inhibited. As a result, if it doesn't get bright enough outside, melatonin levels may remain elevated, causing havoc on our sleep rhythm and internal clock. Symptoms such as fatigue, a depressed mood, and lack of drive can ensue. If these symptoms persist over an extended period, depression can develop.
Upon experiencing symptoms of a depressive episode exclusively during specific times of the year, it's called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Typically, this is the so-called winter depression, which usually occurs as the days shorten and darkness increases in the fall, causing higher melatonin production. The lesser-known summer depression, caused by lower melatonin levels, can also create mood imbalances. Alongside hormones, stress levels and overall health status play a role in weather sensitivity.
Weather sensitivity can take a toll
According to some estimates, around 10 to 20% of the population experiences a mild form of seasonal depression. These individuals struggle to rise and shine in the morning, are constantly tired, and often crave sweet snacks. About 5% of people, however, experience a severe depressive episode, characterized by daytime fatigue, exhaustion, lack of energy, and anxiety. In such cases, expert consultation is crucial to determine whether it's a seasonal or another form of depression. Studies suggest that younger individuals and women are more prone to seasonal depression.
To combat feelings of gloominess caused by unfavorable weather, activities like outdoor walks can offer some relief, even if the outdoors doesn't invite them. UV light penetrates cloudy skies, so getting outside for at least an hour daily can help. Alternatively, therapeutic lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can be used.
- Rainy Weather
- Weather
- Depression
- According to a study, bad weather can have a greater negative impact on people's health and emotional well-being compared to sunshine, with common complaints being headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders.
- The rollercoaster of weather conditions can throw hormones off balance, affecting hormone balance, particularly melatonin, which regulates sleep patterns. Higher melatonin levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, a depressed mood, and lack of drive, and if these symptoms persist over an extended period, depression can develop.
- Weather sensitivity can affect around 10 to 20% of the population, with symptoms including struggle to rise in the morning, constant tiredness, and cravings for sweet snacks. About 5% of people experience a severe depressive episode, characterized by daytime fatigue, exhaustion, lack of energy, and anxiety.
- To combat feelings of gloominess caused by unfavorable weather, activities like outdoor walks or using therapeutic lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can offer some relief, even if the outdoors doesn't invite them.
