Winter mornings mean heavy eyes, reluctance to leave bed, and a kind of fatigue throughout the day. Even when sleep is adequate, the body seems unwilling to respond. On holidays, it feels better to just lie down all day. Actually, winter weather affects our body's natural rhythm. As a result, body routine gets affected. Decreased energy, melancholy—all these are its consequences. Why does this happen?
Lack of sunlight
The first reason is the lack of sunlight. Winter daylight comes late. Sunlight lasts for much less time. Sunlight helps our body produce serotonin, a feel-good hormone. When we get less light, serotonin levels decrease, resulting in increased sadness, drowsiness, and lethargy. At the same time, more melatonin hormone is secreted, which increases the tendency to sleep, making it difficult to wake up in the morning.
Impact on metabolism
Cold temperatures affect the body's metabolism. In winter, the body expends more energy to keep itself warm. As a result, fatigue comes easily. Often, blood circulation also slows down, especially in the morning, which makes the body feel heavy and takes time to start working.
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Sleep routine
Another major reason is the change in sleep routine. Nights become longer in winter. So naturally, there's a tendency for excessive sleep. The warmth of blankets makes sleep deeper. But excessive sleep can make the body even more exhausted. As a result, a heavy head and lack of concentration may appear in the morning.
Dietary habits
Dietary habits change in winter. Heavy, oil and spice-laden foods are consumed more, while vegetable and water intake decreases. As a result, digestive problems, gas, and feeling heavy are natural. Drinking less water causes dehydration, further reducing energy.
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Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency has various negative effects on the body and mind. When this vitamin is low, muscles feel weak, fatigue comes easily, and the body feels sluggish all day. Bone pain, back or knee pain may increase because calcium is not absorbed properly. Immunity decreases, leading to frequent colds, coughs, or infections. Additionally, as serotonin levels drop, sadness, depression, and lack of energy appear. If the deficiency persists for a long time, sleep problems and work capacity also decrease.
Less physical activity
When there's less physical activity or reduced physical work, the body's energy level gradually decreases. Without regular movement, blood circulation slows down, so oxygen and nutrients don't reach cells properly, and fatigue comes easily. When physical activity is low, metabolism also becomes sluggish, making the body feel heavy. Additionally, due to the deficiency of endorphin hormones released during exercise, sadness, lethargy, and lack of concentration appear. Long-term reduced physical activity can also decrease confidence and work capacity.
