What is spring fatigue?
Spring fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion that occurs with the arrival of spring. Experts estimate that about 60% of Germans suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, lack of concentration and circulatory problems. Spring fatigue is often associated with dizziness and headaches. Women are affected more often than men. In winter, people spend most of their time indoors, which means that the body is not supplied with sufficient oxygen. The lack of oxygen slows down the body’s processes, leading to circulatory problems, reduced performance and headaches.
Our biorhythms change as the days get longer and more sunlight comes into our lives. When hormones start to change, a whole lot happens. As a result, our metabolism changes as well. These are all the things that hormones control in the body, such as how well you sleep, how much energy you have, and how much you want to eat. Seasonal shifts in the amount of daylight and the intensity of the sun activate the thyroid, pineal gland and adrenal cortex, leading to increased hormone production.
Serotonin and melatonin
Serotonin, the feel-good hormone, and melatonin, the sleep hormone, come to mind when talking about the spring blues. Neurotransmitters like serotonin ensure that information is sent back and forth between nerve cells. It affects sleep-wake cycles, overall well-being, contentment and stamina. In the evening hours and at night, the body converts serotonin into melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake rhythm of a variety of body activities and helps people sleep better.
As spring approaches, the days become longer and sunlight is stronger than before. As a result, the body has to get used to the increase in serotonin production, while at the same time melatonin production decreases during this time. As a result, you may not notice the expected springtime surge as quickly as you had hoped.
Can a sauna visit help with springtime fatigue?
In spring, a visit to the sauna can be worth its weight in gold. The key is to follow the sauna with a cold stimulus (cold shower). You won’t be doing yourself any favors if you only take a lukewarm shower instead. Sauna bathing also has a positive effect on the blood vessels, which have to adjust to the warm period. The heat causes the blood vessels to dilate and our blood pressure to drop. Spring fatigue can be banished if you prepare your blood vessels by regular visits to the sauna. In addition, the rapid change of temperature between hot and cold strengthens your immune system.
The constantly changing conditions act as a kind of fitness training for your body. In addition, you will notice that you feel healthy and rested after a long sauna session. This is because blood circulation improves, allowing more oxygen to enter the bloodstream. This benefits all of your organs. At the same time, you have a few hours to relax. Everyday life does not burden you. So you can tackle new things with vigor and enthusiasm.
Sauna oils against spring fatigue
Essential oils have long been known for their positive effect on our zest for life and mood. Invigorating sauna infusions based on mint, lemon and rosemary are recommended. They are an effective remedy for spring fatigue and listlessness. Our tip: Fill a fragrance lamp with a few drops of citrus scent. The scent, which spreads throughout the room, will immediately make you feel more energetic and ready to perform. In the evening, we recommend lavender, as it helps us relax and slumber deeply.
