Change of season: why do we feel more tired?

Do you feel more fatigued and lacking in energy with the arrival of spring or autumn? It's normal! The change of season brings with it a number of environmental and biological changes that can affect our organism, making us more tired and exhausted. But why does this happen and how can we counteract this feeling of fatigue naturally? Let's find out together.

Every change from one season to another involves changes in temperature, humidity and hours of light. These factors affect our hormonal balance, circadian rhythm and metabolism, creating a kind of ‘shock’ to our body.

• Alterations in the sleep-wake rhythm
  As the hours of light increase or decrease, our body has to adapt to new cycles of production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This can result in difficulty falling asleep or a less restorative quality of sleep, causing daytime fatigue.
• Thermal adaptation and energy consumption
  Our body uses more energy to adapt to new temperatures. When it gets colder, the demand for calories to maintain body temperature increases, while in hot weather we tend to sweat more, losing essential minerals.
• Immune system under stress
  Seasonal changes put pressure on our immune system, making it more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and allergens. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can encourage the proliferation of microorganisms, increasing the risk of colds, flu and allergic reactions. This continuous strain on the defence system can contribute to a feeling of general exhaustion and fatigue.

Having ascertained the causes of this feeling of exhaustion, it is now useful to understand how to help your body if you are struggling to adapt to seasonal changes.
First and foremost, following a balanced diet is essential to provide the body with the nutrients it needs, just as drinking enough water is equally important, as hydration aids energy metabolism and helps keep the body in balance.
Another help can come from exposing oneself to natural light as much as possible as it helps regulate the production of melatonin and serotonin, improving sleep and mood. Taking a short walk, for example, could help both to take in melatonin and to stimulate circulation and combat feelings of fatigue. Finally, getting a good night's rest is essential.

The role of supplements

When tiredness persists and a healthy lifestyle is not enough, food supplements can be a valuable aid to support the body. They contain substances and nutrients that allow the body to re-establish itself and the immune system to perform its functions to the best of its ability.
Examples include Vitamin D3, which is essential for supporting the immune system and promoting the proper absorption of calcium, or Magnesium and Potassium, which help combat muscle fatigue and improve physical endurance.
Then there's Vitamin C and Zinc which support the immune system, protecting against seasonal ailments and finally, Melatonin which promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality, contributing to overall wellbeing.

In conclusion, therefore, facing the change of season with the right support is essential for feeling fit and full of energy. If a healthy lifestyle is not enough, a concrete help can come from supplements that can provide your body with the necessary substances to overcome tiredness and regain well-being.