Hormonal change in early summer

We’ve just managed to adapt to the change from winter- to summertime and finished struggling against spring fatigue. And the next physical challenge is already knocking on our doors: in early summer, days are getting longer, the temperatures rise and still: numerous people suffer under tiredness, listlessness and fatigue. But why?

With the entry of warmer temperatures our physical processes change – always according to the same scheme: outside, it is becoming warmer, our blood vessels widen, the blood pressure decreases. This possibly leads to head ache, lack of concentration, listlessness, bad mood or heavy legs. During winter, the level of the happy-hormone serotonin decreases. Serotonin is produced in our brain and depends on natural daylight. Now, since the days become longer in spring the increasing solar radiation leads to a downright “hormonal boom”, the depleted serotonin stock has to be recharged. On the other hand, the release of the sleeping hormone melatonin is postponed, since it needs darkness.

This chaos in our body needs a lot of energy, we get tired and listless. Furthermore, due to the change in our hormonal balance, often, the sleep becomes worse, too. You just can’t sleep well, although you’re tired. If you pay close attention to your sleep now, you can effectively counteract this situation.

Helpful tips:

• During the transition period of early summer, indulge in more sleep than usually. If possible, take a powernap of about 20 minutes during lunchtime.
• Overcome yourself and take hot and cold showers in the morning. Always end with a cold shower.
• Spend as much time as possible in fresh air, do sports, eat light meals two to three times per week – best, with a lot of fresh fruits and water.
• Check your bedroom and your sleeping situation. Does your sleeping underlay ensure best rest? Is your bedding content made of natural materials like sheep wool which, by the way, cares for a dry and warm bedding climate at any time of the year?
• Before going to bed, try some snacks easy to digest. Like food containing tryptophan, like chicken or fish, combined with carbs that contribute to calming of the brain. Hence, they positively affect sleep, too.

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