Spring Troubles: Spring Fever, Asthenia, and Other Seasonal Disorders

Spring is almost here and I usually feel a bit moody this uncertain time of year as seasons change. A lot of people around me seem affected by similar ‘mood swings’ that include fatigue, insomnia, hyperactivity, or nervousness.

Spring-induced disorder is scientifically termed alternatively as “spring asthenia”, “spring fever”, “seasonal affective disorder (SAD)”, or even “spring depression” if symptoms become serious. Despite the flurry of names, not a whole lot of research has been dedicated to it (and for that matter, not a lot of obnoxious health-related web pages!). The truth is, I think, that spring moodiness is generally a phenomenon without long-term health effects that medicine and science are not so concerned about. Still, it is part of quintessential human existence, and has an impact on our sense of wellness in this period of year.

Spring Fever . Apparently, it has to do with the impact increasing amounts of light have on our body. The eye captures the extra amount of light, sends the information to the brain, which reacts by commanding hormonal changes, particularly melatonin levels. As you know, melatonin is related to sleepiness; so the less melatonin we produce, the more we stay awake and the more active we get. This of course makes us become hyperactive, nervous and sometimes, sexually exacerbated. We can all recall the famous saying “mad as a March hare”. Other symptoms include the loss of weight due to heightened chemical processes, increased appetite, or anxiety. Sometimes the attempt to overexert ourselves becomes too much: hence many heart attacks, suicides and depressions occur in this time of year. If you feel that your seasonal disorder is turning into something more serious, please consult a doctor.

Spring Asthenia. Although much more publicized, spring fever is not the only way that spring can affect us. Changes in temperature, sunlight or atmospheric pressure in spring can cause asthenia, a disorder when people feel very tired, fatigued, and lacking vitality. Migraines are associated with this as well. So paradoxically, spring that can cause hyperactive tendencies may provoke low vitality as well – sometimes in the same person!

Other Temporary Disorders. Besides this, I have noticed that spring causes temporary gastrointestinal disorders - stomach and colon problems, including increased acid due to hyperactivity, increased or decreased colon function. I haven’t found much evidence of this on the web, but I think it’s all part of the adjusting period of spring.

How can we successfully and quickly pass over these spring troubles? Normally, these things tend to ‘sort themselves out’ as our body adapts to the sunlight and increased temperature. However, there are some things we can do to help ourselves:
- expose ourselves to the sun (or natural light) for about 30 minutes a day. This helps the build-up of vitamin D, which is vital for the health of our bones, teeth and the prevention of serious diseases
- follow a balanced diet.
- exercise preferably outdoors; however, be careful not to over-exert yourself.
- if you suffer from asthenia, you should eat high energy foods like pasta, chocolate, coffee. Royal jelly and yeast are also recommended. Iron-rich foods like spinach, red meat, cranberries, beet root help as well.
- if you suffer from spring fever, try relaxation exercises
- eat new vegetables and fruit
- sleep sufficient hours a night
- drink sufficient water or tea (2 l a day)
- if you find that symptoms worsen or do not pass away consult a doctor.

I'm actually curious to hear if other people are suffering from spring disorders, as I really think that it is a much more common phenomenon than witnessed by doctors (most do not come to their attention anyway).