Constant oscillations in weather patterns: A persistence that exhausts us - Constant fluctuations in weather patterns can leave us feeling unwell due to their impact on our physical and mental health: alterations in mood, sleep disruption, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.
Sun and Skies, A Mood Rollercoaster: Examining the Relationship Between Weather and Depression
By Tina Punker** + - 3 Min
The classic Berlin ballad by Isolation Berlin goes like this: "All gray, all gray in gray. All cold, all cold, cold, cold." It's a melancholic tune that, unexpectedly, resonates with the current spring weather in parts of Germany. And it's not just the weather that mirrors the song lyrics; it seems our moods, too, share a similar ebb and flow. But have you ever wondered why we feel so low when the skies are gray and gloomy? Well, as it turns out, miserable weather might be more influential on our mental state than we once thought.
Despite being dismissed for long, a growing body of research indicates that specific weather conditions can impact our well-being, particularly with temperature fluctuations and changeable weather. A study commissioned by the German Environment Agency found that poor weather affects the health of approximately 38% of people in cold or stormy conditions, compared to only 6% who experienced discomfort due to the sun. The most common weather-related complaints were headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders[2]. The German Weather Service, recognizing the impact weather has on our health, now provides reports[3].
Weather Swings and Hormone Havoc
Sunshine one day, showers the next; it's not just a meteorological mess, but it can wreak havoc with our hormones as well. Enter melatonin, the hormone that rules our sleep-wake cycle. An imbalance in melatonin levels can cause difficulty in falling asleep and excessive sleepiness, both symptoms of seasonal depression[4]. Melatonin is primarily produced at night when daylight is scarce. So, when sunlight is not sufficient, our melatonin remains high and disrupts the internal clock and sleep rhythm, leading to a grumpy, tired, and unmotivated state[5].
When conditions are consistently gray and dismal, it might be seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at play. SAD generally develops in the fall as the days become shorter and darker, and it's often referred to as the 'winter depression.' However, a lesser-known form, the 'summer depression,' can occur when excessive sunlight suppresses melatonin production, leading to mood imbalances[6]. Beyond hormones, stress and general health status can also impact weather sensitivity.
An estimated 10-20% of the population bears the brunt of a mild form of seasonal depression[7]. Those affected experience difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, persistent fatigue, and often heightened cravings for sweets. Unfortunately, for around 5% of us, it's a severe depressive episode characterized by extreme fatigue, anxiety, and a general lack of energy[8]. If these symptoms persist for an extended period, a specialty consultation is advisable to determine whether the depression is seasonal or something else entirely. Studies have shown that people under 40 years of age and women are more likely to be affected by SAD[9].
Dodging the Black Clouds of Depression
Battling the blues caused by bad weather might seem like a futile effort, given the cloudy surroundings. But there are ways to counteract the dreary feelings:
- Walking it Out: Try getting some fresh air and moving your body, even if the outdoors isn't inviting. The UV rays that pierce the clouds can still be impactful, so spending an hour outdoors daily is recommended.
- Therapeutic Light Exposure: When the weather keeps you indoors, consider using therapeutic lamps. These lamps emit light with a brightness between 2500 to 10,000 lux, which can help counteract the effects of over-melatonin production by mimicking natural sunlight[10].
In conclusion, it's evident that the weather can have a significant impact on our mental health through hormonal disruptions and psychological factors such as social isolation and mood changes. By understanding these influences, we can take steps to improve our mood during adverse weather conditions.
- Gray Skies and Sadness
- Weather Conditions
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
[1] https://www. Psychiatry.org/patients-family-friends/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad[2] https://wetterdienst.de/biowetter[3] https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/aktuelles/news/154160#tabs_0[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073887/[5] https://www.apa.org/topics/emotions-states/mood-benefits-sunlight[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786323/[7] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-zebra-effect/202010/how- your- zodiac-sign-could-affect-your-winter-depression[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325342#symptoms[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3616505/[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6103852/
- The lyrics of Isolation Berlin's 'Sun and Skies' echo the current depressing weather in parts of Germany, mirroring the song's melancholic tone and our own emotional states during changeable weather.
- A study in Germany found that poor weather affects the health of 38% of people in cold or stormy conditions, compared to only 6% who were affected by the sun, suggesting a strong relationship between weather and well-being.
- Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced at night, is responsible for disrupting our sleep-wake cycle and internal clock when sunlight is insufficient, which could explain feelings of sadness during rainy or gloomy weather.
- While rainy days might seem inevitable, engaging in physical activity outdoors or using therapeutic lamps indoors can help combat the psychological effects of depressing weather on mental health.
