We are tired, listless and yawn frequently. As soon as the days get cool and gray, our energy levels drop. For many of those affected, it is clear: this is fall fatigue. From a scientific point of view, the diagnosis is not quite as simple as it is popularly believed - the term "fall fatigue" does not exist in the medical literature.
Seasonal fatigue can have many causes. In spring, allergies and the time change are particularly hard on the body. Other factors come into play in fall. The days are getting shorter and the sunlight weaker. Due to the lack of light, the body releases more of the sleep hormone melatonin. But there are other factors too. The number of colds increases sharply in the fall. Fall tiredness therefore often hides a cold that has not been cured. Other infections such as the flu also cause us problems at this time of year. In addition, our need for sleep increases automatically due to darkness, but our professional and social obligations do not follow this internal clock.
Many causes, no diagnosis
"We are trying to find out the causes behind fall fatigue. This can be almost anything from a neurological disease to the day-night rhythm. There can be dozens, if not hundreds, of causes behind the symptom of fatigue," says Dr. Philipp Valko from the USZ. The neurologist specializes in sleep medicine and has no doubt that a large proportion of the population suffers from fall fatigue. A small group is hit even harder. It slips from fall fatigue into autumn depression. The trigger for this is unclear. Scientists suspect fluctuations in the hormones serotonin (happiness hormone) and melatonin as triggers. Dr. Valko recommends seeking help early on: "As soon as the fatigue becomes so severe that normal activities at work or during leisure time can no longer be carried out, medical help should be sought."
Lots of light, no heavy food
If you suddenly get an appetite for a particularly large and heavy meal in the fall, you should try to hold back. Heavy meals increase tiredness. The body should also be exposed to sufficient light. Sunlight is still the best medicine against fall fatigue, but it helps if all the light switches are on in the office. Sufficient exercise in the fresh air also get the circulation going. If these measures don't help, Dr. Valko has another tip: "Just accept that the body needs more sleep at this time of year than in summer and adjust your sleeping habits accordingly."
