As the days get longer, many people often experience typical spring fatigue between mid-March and mid-April.

Spring fatigue typically occurs in countries where there are distinct seasonal changes in temperature and light conditions. Spring fatigue is not an illness, but rather a side effect of our body's processes as they adapt to the lighter and warmer days. Our body protects itself in winter by lowering its temperature a few tenths of a degree, slightly increasing its blood pressure, and producing more of the sleep hormone melatonin.

As soon as the length of daylight increases again, the body reacts with a change in metabolism. The increasing UV radiation only gradually reduces the production of the sleep hormone melatonin in order to stimulate the production of the happiness hormone serotonin instead. This cycle doesn't really get into gear at first because the melatonin still keeps us adjusted to darkness.

A balanced diet, adapting your daily rhythm to the sun (getting up and going to bed early), regular outdoor walks and sufficient exercise will help quickly banish the spirits of spring fatigue again.

Foto: iStock.com/Pheelings Media