Up to 30% of the population is mentally and physically affected by the change of time and season.
- Circadian rhythm, melatonin and cognitive capacity, main alterations derived from the change of time and season.
- Autumn increases fatigue, drowsiness, lack of concentration, irritability and anxiety.
- The symptoms of the time change usually last days or a week, although it is important not to medicalize the process: exercise and healthy diet is a good remedy
Barcelona, October 28, 2019. Last Sunday was active winter time, which darkens the evenings earlier, but allows the best match between sunlight and the pace of activity of the population. This change of light, added to the arrival of the first rains and the low temperatures typical of autumn, and the feeling of starting to forget the summer vacations, make that the disorders derived from the seasonal change are intensified. In fact, up to 30% of the population suffers from some type of physical or mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression during these days, according to the experts at Top Doctors, an online platform for finding and contacting the best medical specialists in private healthcare, audited and certified by the most rigorous doctor selection process in the world.
The circadian rhythm, melatonin and cognitive capacity, main alterations
Light is a determining factor for our circadian rhythm, which is the natural cycle of physical, mental and behavioral changes experienced by the body during the 24 hours in which the rotation of the earth occurs, and which is controlled by a small area in the middle of the brain. “The circadian rhythm marks people’s sleep times and cognitive capacity, that is, the capacity related to information processing, such as attention, perception, memory, problem solving, comprehension…etc. Seasonal changes, and specifically time changes, alter this rhythm,” explains Dr. Carmen Jódar, family physician and member of Top Doctors.
This is why it can be a determining factor in the mood of people, who may feel more apathetic, have insomnia problems, accumulate fatigue or even suffer from eating disorders or body temperature, among other things. “The reduction of daylight hours produces an internal imbalance due to the increase of melatonin, since sunlight is key in the production of this hormone in the brain. At the same time, the production of serotonin, also known as the mood hormone, decreases, which is why we feel sadder,” explains Ms. María González-Aller Zabala, a specialist in Psychology at Galler Psicología and member of Top Doctors.
On the other hand, temperature drops can weaken people’s immune system, which increases the chances of catching the flu or colds, as well as digestive problems. On the other hand, “some cardiovascular diseases or rheumatoid arthritis are aggravated during the winter, whereas people tend to be healthier in the summer,” assures Dr. Carbone Campoverde, specialist in immunology and member of Top Doctors, referring to a recent study by the University of Cambridge. An accumulation of symptoms that do not affect all people equally. In fact, according to the experts, the diagnosis of any problem derived from seasonal changes requires a period of observation of the patient, to evaluate the evolution and determine if it is an aggravation of the symptoms of an existing pathology or if, on the contrary, it is the symptoms of a new disease. “In any case, it would not be necessary to resort to medication to overcome the disorders typical of this time of the year. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and sleeping 7 or 8 hours is usually the best remedy. If fatigue persists, you can resort to taking a vitamin complex,” advises Dr. Montse Folch, nutrition specialist and member of Top Doctors.
Myths and truths about the effects of seasonal changes
That autumn is a time of change and transition, like the rest of the seasons, is a reality. However, behind this season there are certain myths. The most widespread one, which is actually true, is the one that refers to hair loss. “It is true that our hair falls out more during these months of the year. This is due to the mere fact that we are mammals. Throughout the year, 10% of our hair is in the hair loss phase, and in autumn this percentage rises to 20%, which means that we lose twice as much hair at this time of year,” explains Dr. Ana Trius Chassaigne, hair surgeon and member of Top Doctors.
It is also often said that, just as spring alters the blood, autumn has the opposite effect, and during this period libido tends to decrease. But the truth is that there are no studies that justify this fact. It is true that it increases tiredness and drowsiness, lack of concentration, irritability or anxiety, which may cause some people to reduce the practice of sexual relations.
Finally, Vitamin C has been catalogued as the most effective remedy against autumn asthenia. However, “C” is not the only key. Experts recommend to resort to the right diet to alleviate the effects of seasonal changes, although in fact, Vitamin C has great contributions to our system as it helps to manufacture collagen, helps to maintain the integrity of connective tissue and the proper absorption of iron in the body, is an antioxidant and has an anticarcinogenic role.