Spring asthenia is a disorder that affects some people during the transition from winter to spring. It is characterized by a feeling of tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, apathy, irritability and difficulty concentrating. It is not a disease, but an adaptive disorder included in the so-called seasonal affective disorders.
Even so, it can substantially affect the quality of life and the physical and mental state of those who suffer from it. It should not be confused with chronic asthenia, which lasts at least six months, with a much more severe and limiting feeling of tiredness. At Lanier Pharma we would like to talk about it so that you can find a solution as soon as possible.
What causes spring asthenia?
There is no single, clear cause that explains the onset of spring asthenia, but it is considered to be the result of a combination of several factors, with almost all of them related to the climatic changes associated with the change from one season to another. The most common causes are:
- Jet lag. The one-hour advance in the clock alters the circadian rhythm, which is the biological cycle that regulates sleep and wakefulness. This can lead to an imbalance in sleep and a reduced secretion of melatonin, the hormone that promotes a good night’s rest.
- Increased daylight hours: Increased exposure to sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmiter that influences mood and well-being. However, sunlight inhibits the release of melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep. There may also be a decrease in levels of dopamine, another neuotransmiter related to motivation and pleasure.
- Sudden changes in weather. The constant changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure and humidity that are typical of spring make our bodies try to keep us healthy and stable. This not only stresses our immune system, but also causes us to spend extra energy.
- The onset of allergies alters our immune system, makes it difficult to rest and contributes to increased feelings of fatigue.
- Change of habits. The arrival of spring often changes our daily activities, such as going out more, doing more physical exercise or changing our diet. These changes can put additional strain on our bodies, which must adapt to the new environmental and physiological conditions.
How to prevent and treat spring asthenia
Spring asthenia usually lasts between two and four weeks, until our body adapts to the new seasonal cycle. However, there are some measures that can be taken to prevent its onset or minimise symptoms.
Encourage restful sleep
Keep a regular sleep schedule, try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, avoid long or late naps, put screens away and turn off artificial lights at least one hour before bedtime. Create a dark, quiet and cool environment in the bedroom. These simple measures will substantially improve the quality of your sleep.
Hydrate adequately
Unless you have kidney problems or dropsy, it is advisable to drink two to three liters of water a day. Even more if you are physically active or sweat a lot. You can drink herbal teas or flavoured waters to help replenish fluids and minerals.
Eat a balanced diet
It is essential that you eat a healthy and varied diet, including fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, oily fish and lean meats. Avoid processed, fried, sugary foods, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, as they can disturb sleep and cause nervourness.
Get moderate exercise
At least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, preferably outdoors (to catch vitamin D) and on a regular schedule. Exercise helps release endorphins, which are substances that improve your mood, reduce stress and promote sleep.
Help yourself with supplements
Look for those that give you energy in a natural way, such as royal jelly or ginseng.
At Lanier Pharma we have developed Altiusvit, an innovative formulation that helps to reduce muscular and mental fatigue. It includes Citrulline malate, L-Glutamine and red Pannax Ginseng, a powerful synergy that will reactivate your body. Try it and put an end to this unwanted asthenia!
