Autumn is upon us, and so is living with considerably less energy than we seemed to have in summer - and it turns out there's a reason for this.
If you've been feeling less bothered to do things more than usual then you're definitely not alone, and, in fact, there is a good reason for it according to health experts - alongside some easy fixes.
The phenomenon is referred to as 'fall fatigue.'
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Holland & Barrett explain: "During the autumn and winter months, your brain produces more of the ‘sleep hormone’ melatonin.
"This is because you see less sunlight at this time of year, so your brain goes into a semi-hibernation mode.
"This might sound like something only animals do, but the human brain is governed by a light-sensitive circadian rhythm just as the animal brain is.
"We have evolved to feel sleepy when it’s dark and alert and awake when it’s light."
What causes fall fatigue?
Holland & Barrett add: "Your routine is likely to be the same all year round, but the lack of exposure to light and subsequent melatonin production is still making you sleepy as it did our ancestors.
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"So, in the context of autumn - not only are you being kept awake in the evenings by artificial light, but we are made to feel very sleepy in the mornings by the lack of light. Exactly the opposite to how our bodies like to run!
"Another factor for seasonal tiredness could be inactivity. Leading a sedentary life during the colder months (as a result of miserable weather and dark nights) can leave you feeling lethargic and unable to sleep."
They continue: "Don’t forget that feeling fatigue and tiredness also makes us less motivated to exercise and move our bodies.
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It kind of encourages us to be passive and 'rest' more, which instead of alleviating fatigue and tiredness, often makes it worse."
Symptoms of fall fatigue
According to Naturepedic, there are many signs of fall fatigue, including but not limited to irritability, stress and/or anxiety, social withdrawal, lack of energy, sleeping for longer than normal or having some trouble getting up in the morning, brain fog and food cravings.
How to fight fall fatigue
The following advice is given by the company:
Use artificial bright light in the mornings
"In the absence of enough bright natural light, it’s the next best thing (why do we creep around the house in the dark in the mornings? It’s time to get everyone up!).
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"In order to help this make you feel awake consistently, add the same wake time every single day."
Exercise even when you don’t feel like it
"It’s true that often exercise is one of those things we have little motivation to do, but makes us feel so good afterwards – one of those ways is to make you feel alert and awake – even after a bad night’s sleep!
"Use the behaviours you have available to you to combat how you feel."
Get out into the elements at least every day
"The natural daylight will perk you up and support your circulation, helping to energise you, as well as the added benefits of moving your body.
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"It will also help prompt your circadian rhythm to produce less melatonin when we don’t want it, making you feel more awake.
"It is also the best way to get your vitamin D."
Topics: Health, Sleep, Women's Health, Advice, Life Hacks
Kya Buller