As we transition into the full swing of autumn, more people are complaining of fatigue and drowsiness. This condition, known as ‘autumn fatigue,’ is a seasonal disorder similar to spring fatigue. It arises as the quality of our sleep deteriorates while our bodies adapt to the changing weather. We looked into the main symptoms of autumn fatigue and how to overcome them wisely.
Seasonal disorder similar to spring fatigue
Just like spring fatigue that comes with the arrival of spring, the number of people experiencing ‘autumn fatigue,’ a similar symptom, increases dramatically as we enter the fall. Autumn fatigue, a seasonal disorder during the transition seasons, occurs when our internal biological rhythm can’t keep up with sudden external temperature changes. As autumn arrives with significant temperature differences between morning and evening, the body’s rhythm is sensitive to temperature and easily breaks, leading to symptoms of autumn fatigue.
If autumn fatigue worsens, it can negatively affect daily life
Underestimating autumn fatigue as simple tiredness could lead to trouble! Although it’s not a specific disease, if autumn fatigue persists, it can interfere with daily life and increase vulnerability to weakened immunity and chronic diseases if it worsens. There’s also a risk of safety issues, as the increase in drowsy driving accidents in the fall is closely related to autumn fatigue.
What are the main symptoms of autumn fatigue?
The main symptoms of autumn fatigue are fatigue and drowsiness. Even people who usually don’t snore may start to snore. After eating, sleepiness pours in, and the body feels weak and lethargic. Most people feel groggy after waking up; these symptoms are temporary and disappear over time. To prevent autumn fatigue, maintaining regular lifestyle habits is crucial.
Metabolism becomes active
During the transition seasons, metabolism becomes active to adapt to the changing weather, and vitamins are quickly consumed. At this time, replenishing the rapidly consumed nutrients can also help boost immunity. Seaweeds like kelp or clams are high in essential amino acids and can replenish deficient nutrients.
Eat plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables
To quickly overcome autumn fatigue, you must adjust your eating habits. Eat plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and B and a lot of seaweed, which is high in essential amino acids. White foods like chicken, bellflower root, and onions boost immunity and inhibit oxidation in the body, helping to energize our bodies.
Check if you’re getting enough sleep
To relieve autumn fatigue, you need to focus on sleep management. It’s necessary to ensure about 6-7 hours of sufficient sleep and try to fall asleep simultaneously daily to recover and maintain a normal body rhythm. Not only the quantity of sleep but also the quality of sleep is essential. When sleeping, completely block the light by drawing the curtains or wearing an eye mask, and maintain the humidity of the sleeping space at 50-60% to prevent the nasal mucosa from drying out.
Move your body lightly
Doing nothing because you’re tired is worse than moving your body lightly, which can help overcome autumn fatigue. Doing an appropriate amount of aerobic exercise like walking, skipping rope, or cycling is also effective for a good night’s sleep. For office workers or students who sit for long periods, it’s good to get up and do some simple stretching or walk around every hour.
Make sure to wear your outerwear
As the temperature difference increases, it may be hot during the day, but it becomes chilly in the morning and evening. This is when it’s easiest to catch a cold, and if you feel the cold and catch a cold, it can disrupt deep sleep, and muscle pain that appears when you shiver due to sudden temperature changes can disturb sleep. Always carry thin cardigans and jumpers, maintain body temperature, and wear functional sleepwear when sleeping to ensure you’re not too cold.
Bathing is better than showering
Washing with warm water in the evening to sleep well can also be helpful, and at this time, bathing is better than showering. Taking a half bath with warm water at a slightly higher temperature than body temperature, about 98.6-100.4°F, an hour before sleep helps with fatigue recovery and sleep. Also, drinking natural sleep aids like lavender or chamomile tea and avoiding toothpaste with menthol or peppermint ingredients, which can interfere with sleep, is recommended.
Doubt if it’s not another disease
Seasonal disorders like autumn fatigue naturally disappear after a 1-2 week adaptation period. However, if fatigue or lethargy persists for more than four weeks, you should suspect whether it’s not autumn fatigue but another disease. During the transition seasons, immunity weakens, and even healthy people often get diseases like colds or headaches. Especially in older people, symptoms should be carefully observed, and low blood pressure or anemia can also cause severe lethargy, so they need to be thoroughly checked.
By. Oh Hye-in (press@daily.co.kr)
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