Weather fluctuations keeping energy levels drained due to continuous changes - Weather fluctuations causing health issues for people
Grey Skies and Blue Moods: Why Rainy Weather Affects Our Well-being
By Tina PokernRead Time: 3 mins
"All grey, all grey in grey. All cold, all cold, cold, cold" - words that echo the collective sentiment during dreary days. Though it's springtime in some parts of Germany, the weather is anything but cheerful. With chilly temperatures and thick clouds obscuring the sun, it's no wonder blues are among us. Once thought of as trivial, more and more research indicates that certain weather conditions, particularly temperature fluctuations and changes, have a significant impact on our emotional well-being.
According to a survey led by the German Environment Agency involving about 1600 participants, bad weather affects our health more than sunshine. Approximately 38% of respondents reported feeling the influence of weather on their health during cold and stormy weather, compared to a mere 6% who reported discomfort from the sun. Common weather-related complaints included headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The German Weather Service even offers biowether forecasts to keep us informed of the potential toll on our mental health.
When Weather Hits Us Where It Hurts
Sunny one moment, grey the next - this meteorological roller coaster disrupts our hormone balance, most notably by affecting melatonin. Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake rhythm. When the body produces too little melatonin, we struggle to sleep. Too much melatonin induces constant fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Produced primarily at night in the dark, bright daylight often inhibits melatonin production. So if the weather fails to reveal the light, the melatonin levels remain elevated, disrupting our sleep rhythm and internal clock. Consequently, we might experience fatigue, depression, and low energy levels. If these symptoms persist, they could ultimately lead to the development of depression.
When symptoms of depressive episodes occur consistently during a certain time of the year, we often refer to it as seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is most common during the winter months, as decreased daylight and longer nights trigger the production of more melatonin. Curiously, summer depression, triggered by a lower melatonin level, is less well-known. Besides hormones, stress and overall health status can also impact weather sensitivity.
Scientists estimate 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 fatigue, and increased appetite, often for sweets. However, about 5% of affected individuals suffer from severe depressive episodes, exhibiting daytime fatigue, exhaustion, a lack of energy, and anxiety. It's crucial to consult a specialist if these symptoms persist, as they may not be seasonal but another form of depression.
To combat the gloomy effects of bad weather, try focusing on activities like walks. Even on rainy days, some UV light can penetrate the clouds, making it worth spending at least an hour outside daily. Alternatively, light therapy lamps with 2500 to 10,000 lux can help maintain our hormonal balance by simulating natural daylight.
Rainy WeatherDepressionHormone Balance
- Despite the seasonal springtime in parts of Berlin, the persistent rainy and gloomy weather is linked to an increased sense of depression among locals, according to a survey.
- The disruptions in hormone balance, particularly melatonin regulation, play a significant role in the emotional effects of such weather, causing fatigue, depression, and low energy levels.
- The German Weather Service's biowether forecasts help inform people about the potential impact of the weather on their mental health.
- The hormonal imbalances caused by weather fluctuations can contribute to the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially during winter months with decreased daylight.
- To combat the negative effects of rainy weather on mental health, engaging in outdoor activities, even briefly, and using light therapy lamps may help maintain hormonal balance and boost overall health and wellness.
