It's springtime and people say they are feeling quite tired and sleepy. In the past, we believed that this was due to a lack of proper nutrition. However, this doesn't seem to be the case anymore as we have access to fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Even those who take nutritional supplements and vitamins daily still feel sluggish during spring. So, what could be the reason behind this?

There are several possible explanations. If you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, the pollen during spring could be triggering allergy symptoms that cause fatigue and sleepiness. In that case, you need to manage your allergic rhinitis to combat springtime exhaustion. Changes in temperature and day length with the arrival of a new season may be another reason. As exposure to sunlight and light intensity increases in the spring, it can affect the release of neurotransmitters and hormones such as serotonin, cortisol, and melatonin. Changes in the balance between these substances can make a difference in how we feel and how energized we are. It's not necessarily just sleepiness.

The term "spring sickness" in Korean only portrays one aspect of spring. In reality, spring is a season of renewal and hope for those who may have felt down during the darker, shorter days of winter. With the arrival of spring, the breeze seems to breathe new life into us. Our hearts beat faster, our faces glow, and our minds become flooded with inspiration. In English, we refer to this phenomenon as "spring fever." It's not simply a matter of feeling tired because of the season, but rather, because we're actively participating in more activities to celebrate the season.

While "spring sickness" and "spring fever" are not official medical terms, recent research has shown that they are not simply imaginary concepts. Just like in other animals, physiological changes occur in humans with the changing of seasons. In fact, a 2016 study by a team of Belgian researchers found that participants' working memory dipped to its lowest level during the spring months of the year. Working memory is the ability to store and process information at the moment. While it's never safe to talk on the phone while driving, it's particularly hazardous to do so during the spring months when working memory declines.

How can you adapt to seasonal changes faster as the days get longer and the weather warms up? Wake up early in the morning and get some sun. Your brain will do a better job of adjusting your body's rhythm to the length of the day and night. It’s also good for your mental health. A 2004 American study showed that spending more time outdoors improved mood and cognition. However, this only applies to spring. On hot summer days, being outdoors had a much less positive effect on mood. It’s not time to worry about spring fever or nutritional deficiencies. What you really need to worry about is a lack of exercise. If you want to feel the true spring vigor in your body, increase your activity. Spring is short.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on March 30, 2023. – Ed.