Do you feel exhausted? This temporary fatigue is normal and physiological, as Doctor Sophie Bauer explains to us.
The arrival of autumn is often marked by temporary fatigue, this is the fatigue from the change of season. This seasonal fatigue is firstly caused by a physiological phenomenon, as Doctor Sophie Bauer, President of the union of private doctors, explains to us: “In autumn, the light decreases, which leads to increased hormones that make you sleepas the melatoninand an decrease in the synthesis of happiness hormones, like serotonin. These hormonal changes result in fatigue, a desire to sleep longer, with the feeling of being less rested when you wake up.”
Our day/night rhythm is out of whack
The lack of light shortens the days and in autumn, the sun is less present. Gold, light acts on our body and our circadian rhythm. Hormonal fluctuations disrupt this rhythm, which is our internal biological clock. Thanks to it, we know when to go to sleep and when to eat. When our circadian cycle is disrupted, our day/night rhythm is somewhat disrupted. “The imbalance between the hormones that make you sleep and the hormones that make you excited is responsible for the fatigue of the change of season. Moreoverthe colder it is, the more people tend to withdraw into themselves. Our social life is often less rich in winter. Lack of social connection can be disruptive, which can lead to depressed state.”
An exacerbated risk of deficiency in autumn
In France, nutritional deficiency is rare. However, certain people are more at risk of deficiency during the fall and winter period, such as those aged over 50 years old. From this age, people may have iron deficiency. However, iron is essential to transport oxygen into the cells and different organs of the body, for optimal functioning of the body. In case of iron deficiency, fatigue can be exacerbated. These people are also prone to vitamin D deficiency.
Fall dishes not so good for fitness
Autumn also signals a desire to eat richer dishes and a lack of interest in summer’s diet dishes. Meals are less healthy, sometimes with a excess bad fats and sugars. Associated with a change in lifestyle, such as reducing the practice of sport or a lack of sleep, the body functions in slow motion because it is tired.
Too much stress in autumn
Stress has deleterious effects on our health and generally disrupts our sleep. However, the change of season can already be responsible for a alteration of sleep quality. Furthermore, the pace of returning to work and daily life can be stressful. In case of stress, associated withaccumulation of toxins caused by a lack of physical activity and a decline in food hygiene, it is normal to feel tired in autumn.
When to look for a disease?
Any fatigue that develops over time should lead to a consultation. “When other phenomena are associated, of a nutritional nature for example, such as bulimia or significant weight loss, it is necessary to consult. THE people who have the blues or who feel depressed should not hesitate to make a medical appointment. People who can no longer energize themselves or those who don’t feel never rested when you wake up should also consult a professional, because These are warning signs, explains Dr Sophie Bauer. Otherwise, temporary fatigue during a change of season is a visible phenomenon in the general population, linked to physiological changes.”
Exercising to increase your serotonin levels, the happiness hormone
In case of chronic fatigue, it is necessary make an appointment with the general practitioner or his treating physician. “Abnormal fatigue, more significant than in other years, can be caused by chronic infection, even allergies. Indeed, certain plants make pollen until autumn“, specifies the specialist.
What to do for prevention?
“When the seasons change, it is advisable to exercise to increase your serotonin levels. See his friends, having a more intense social life also allows you to secrete this happiness hormoneadds Dr. Bauer. These sporting and social activities naturally counter this feeling of fatigue and restore enthusiasm and energy.” Our doctor also advisesavoid tobacco and of limit your alcohol consumption.
“From the age of 50, a vitamin D supplementation may be of interest as we move into fall. From 55 years old, micronutrient supplementation, such as selenium, can also be considered. Please note, taking food supplements requires medical advice, because many food supplements lead to overdoses,” alert the doctor. “If fatigue persists, it is possible tobuy lamps for light therapy. These lamps reproduce the intensity of sunlight without the harmful side of UV. To reap the benefits, it is recommended to do a daily light therapy session, for 1 hour. This therapy can help reduce fatigue and improve mood by modifying hormonal secretions,” concludes Doctor Bauer.
Thanks to Doctor Sophie Bauer, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, President of the union of private doctors (SML).