Feeling Lethargic in the Rain: Why Our Mood Takes a Dive During Damp Days
Unpredictable weather fluctuations leading to feelings of exhaustion explained - The cyclical variation of weather conditions routinely causing illness among us
By Tina Pokern | Duration - 3 Min
"Grey skies, grey everywhere, cold and damp - it's almost like the songs from Isolation Berlin are a soundtrack for today." That's how a spring day can feel in some parts of Germany during tumultuous weather - we're not kidding. For those who prefer sunny skies, winter coats have become an unwelcome companion in the current temperatures. Cloudy skies weigh down the spring spirit. The day gets gloomier, the blues deepen. But why do we feel so down in the dumps?
While weather sensitivity was once considered trivial, recent research indicates that weather conditions can have a significant impact on emotional well-being, particularly with significant temperature shifts and unpredictable weather changes. A research team from the German Environment Agency surveyed approximately 1600 respondents, finding that poor weather negatively affects health more than sunshine. Nearly 38 percent reported feeling influenced by weather during cold, stormy periods, whereas only about 6 percent found sunshine uncomfortable. The most common complaints included headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders. The German Weather Service even offers biowether now.
Weather volatility plays havoc with our hormones
Sunny, cloudy, rainy, then sunny again - this unpredictable weather isn't merely annoying, it can disrupt our hormone balance as well. Notably, melatonin. This hormone controls our sleep-wake rhythm. Lower melatonin levels can lead to difficulty sleeping. Conversely, high melatonin levels can cause overwhelming fatigue and an uncontrollable urge to sleep constantly. When melatonin production is inhibited by insufficient sunlight exposure, it can throw sleep rhythms off balance and ultimately mess with our internal clocks. As a result, we may feel tired, down, and without motivation. If these symptoms prolong for an extended period, they can trigger depression.
If depression-like symptoms arise exclusively during a specific time of the year, healthcare professionals refer to the condition as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as explained by the German Depression Foundation. In most cases, it's the so-called winter depression that sets in when the days grow shorter and darker in autumn and melatonin production increases. Less common is the summer depression, characterized by lower melatonin levels and its impact on the mood. Other factors that contribute to weather sensitivity include stress and overall health status.
Scientists estimate that around 10 to 20 percent of the population experiences a mild form of seasonal depression, according to the Neurologists and Psychiatrists Online information portal. People with this mild variant often find it difficult to wake up in the morning, feel constantly tired, and have an increased craving for sweets. However, for another roughly 5 percent of the population, depression can manifest as a severe condition, characterized by daytime fatigue, exhaustion, lack of energy, and anxiety. In such cases, seek professional help so that a specialist can determine whether your depression is seasonal or if it represents another form. Research shows that younger individuals and women tend to be more susceptible to seasonal depression.
To combat feelings of gloom brought on by the weather, take a walk, even if it's not inviting outside. UV light penetrates even cloudy skies, so aim to spend at least an hour outside each day. Alternatively, invest in a suitable light therapy lamp (2500 to 10,000 lux).
- current weather *
- mood swing *
- depression *
- Despite the spring season, certain parts of Germany can experience a gloominess similar to Isolation Berlin's songs during periods of tumultuous weather.
- Research from the German Environment Agency suggests that poor weather negatively impacts health more than sunshine, with 38% of respondents feeling influenced by weather during cold, stormy periods.
- Exactly why we feel down during damp days can be attributed to weather volatility, which can disrupt our hormone balance, particularly melatonin.
- In Berlin or elsewhere, persistent rainy days might cause mental health issues, such as depression, as a severe form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect up to 5% of the population.
- To maintain health-and-wellness and mental health, implementing fitness-and-exercise, proper nutrition, and potentially therapies-and-treatments may be necessary to counteract the effects of rainy days on our mood.
- While science continues to uncover the complex relationship between weather and our mood, daily attempts at exposing ourselves to sunlight, even when it's cloudy, can help us persist through the gloominess and promote overall well-being.
