drowsiness and cold weather - is there a relationship ?

Question

during the winter months when it is cold outside, i tend to get tired more easily and get drowsy and feel the need to take a nap during the day. is there some scientific corrolations between feeling drowsy and cold weather. ? please let me know the source to your answer. thanks.

Answer 1

Yes.

Sounds like you may be experiencing some symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD. Symptoms of SAD can be depression, low energy`levels, sleeping more, cravings for sweet and even an increase in weight. It seems to be caused by getting less sunlight because you are indoors so much more than in summer months. Your symptoms should lift when the weather warms and you can be out in the sun more.

One of the treatments for SAD is light therapy, where patients basically sit by a lamp/light box and soak up some rays. If you feel like you really need to, you could see your doctor for an antidepressant, but a regular exercise routine and maybe going tanning will probably perk you up.

Here's a website for SAD info:

http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm

Answer 2

I call it "the hibernation instinct" because as soon as the days get shorter, I start craving carbs and sleeping a lot!! Its called "SAD" or seaonal affect disorder and I think its related to less sunlight. Usually about mid-March, I start feeling like Im waking up after a long winters nap :). I did today because the time changes in a couple of weeks.

Answer 3

This is a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), see a psychiatrist, they can prescribe a special type of lamp which imitates sunlight and will help (you sit in front of it for 30-45 minutes each morning)