Are you feeling unusually tired at the workplace or even while resting at home? Are children becoming irritable and crying without any clear reason? Many may dismiss these signs as simple exhaustion.
Photo:SNS
Are you feeling unusually tired at the workplace or even while resting at home? Are children becoming irritable and crying without any clear reason? Many may dismiss these signs as simple exhaustion. But when exhaustion sets in despite doing very little, it may point to something more complex, like seasonal fatigue.
“Seasonal fatigue is a medical condition,” said Dr Anu Preethi Dorai Raj, MBBS, Dip in diab (UK), General Physician, Apollo Medical Centre, Annanagar. “It is also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is more prominent abroad, but now in India, we are seeing a growing number of patients affected by it.”
Advertisement
Unlike exhaustion after a long day, seasonal fatigue is influenced by multiple factors. According to Dr Raj, it is a vast term with no single trigger. Medical conditions such as polyarthralgia, a rheumatoid-related autoimmune issue, can cause persistent fatigue. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin D deficiency, are a major contributor. “Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients. If that is deficient in one’s body, then they will experience low mood and fatigue,” she noted.
Advertisement
One of the most overlooked causes during the winter-to-spring transition is mild or subclinical dehydration. As the temperature rises, the body requires more fluid. However, many people continue drinking the same amount of water they consumed during winter. “People don’t adapt their water intake. They may not appear severely dehydrated, but this subclinical dehydration can lead to irritability, low mood and fatigue,” Dr Raj shared. She added that urinary infections are also more common during seasonal transitions due to inadequate hydration.
Post-viral fatigue is another key factor. Following the surge of respiratory flu cases during late December, many continue to feel drained weeks after recovery. Dr Raj emphasised, “Even when fever or flu symptoms subside, the virus can leave behind inflammatory responses in the body. The virus may remain latent and trigger pro-inflammatory cells. This can sometimes even affect nerves. A flu that occurred 15 days ago can still result in post-viral fatigue.”
Seasonal allergies flare up in spring due to pollen, pollution and increased urban concentration. This leads to inflammation and frequent use of medication. “Spring is one of the most common times we see allergic cases. Due to this inflammation, we take medicines. These medicines cause drowsiness and lead to medical-related fatigue,” Dr Raj stated.
Children are particularly vulnerable during this period. Nutritional deficiencies are widespread among children. Iron deficiency, low Vitamin D levels due to limited sun exposure, reduced immunity and inadequate diet all play a role. The doctor pointed out that the impact further intensifies with exam stress and increased screen time. “Screen time is one of the most important factors that cause fatigue. Continuous scrolling and digital engagement overstimulate the brain. Eye-and-brain coordination is constantly active. As a result, the brain doesn’t rest. This constant stimulation disrupts sleep and leads to both mental and physical exhaustion.”
Fluctuating temperatures and changing daylight hours further disrupt the body’s internal balance. The circadian rhythm is sensitive to light exposure. Changes in sunlight affect melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. “When daylight patterns shift, the entire hormonal rhythm can get disturbed,” she explained. These hormonal fluctuations influence mood, energy level and overall well-being.
Among working adults, stress and hormonal imbalances often dominate. “Patients frequently report social withdrawal. They lose interest in daily activities. They may be irritable towards colleagues, and there can be a decline in enthusiasm for routine tasks. Even simple work becomes challenging,” Dr Raj observed. According to her, many describe losing interest in even meeting friends or visiting relatives. They prefer isolation instead.
Recognising the signs early is crucial. Dr Raj pointed out that in children below ten years, parents should watch for constant irritability, frequent crying, withdrawal from play, distraction, and behavioural changes. In adults, persistent tiredness, social withdrawal, irritability, and reduced productivity may signal something beyond ordinary stress.
Prevention and management focus on simple but consistent habits. Dr Raj recommended that children should limit their screen time. At home, it should not be more than two hours daily. For adolescents, it should be limited to three to four hours. She also emphasised that it is the parents’ responsibility to keep their child active and engaged indoors. Ensuring proper hydration is equally important. “Children rarely ask for water themselves. It is the parents and teachers who must keep an eye on them and actively remind them to drink water,” Dr Raj noted.
She further highlighted that seasonal flu vaccinations, adequate ventilation indoors, balanced nutrition, and regular health check-ups can help prevent complications. For adults, sufficient sleep, structured breaks during work, hydration, and periodic health screenings to detect deficiencies are vital.
“Sleep and hydration are required. If we adjust properly to seasonal changes and take care of these basic factors, the quality of life improves significantly,” Dr Raj concluded. Seasonal fatigue may be subtle. However, with awareness and timely intervention, its effects can be managed before they spiral into prolonged physical and emotional exhaustion.
Advertisement
