In the Czech context, "spring fatigue" is a commonly used term for a state of reduced energy, drowsiness, and worsened mood at the turn of winter and spring. However, it is not an official medical diagnosis, but rather a collection of subjective symptoms that may – or may not – have a seasonal connection. Current literature shows that these manifestations cannot be explained by a single factor, but rather by a combination of physiological adaptations and individual influences.
Light, Melatonin, and Circadian Rhythm
From a biological perspective, the change in light exposure plays a significant role. With lengthening days, adjustments occur in the circadian rhythm, including the regulation of melatonin and serotonin, which can temporarily affect sleep quality, alertness, and mood. This process is not pathological but represents an adaptive phase of the body to new conditions.
Temperature Fluctuations and Their Effect on the Body
Another factor is the temperature fluctuations typical of the transitional period. Repeated changes between cold and warmer environments can affect vascular regulation and the subjective perception of fatigue, especially in more sensitive individuals. However, the effect is rather indirect and individually variable.
Vitamin D and Nutritional Status After Winter
The nutritional status after the winter period, especially the level of vitamin D, whose deficiency is common in Central Europe, can also play a significant role. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with changes in mood, immune function, and overall vitality.
Therefore, at the turn of winter and spring, it may make sense to focus specifically on its supplementation – for example, in the form of a quality supplement. However, vitamin D cannot be considered a universal explanation for spring fatigue; it is one of several factors that can overlap during this period.
Myths about Spring Fatigue According to Science
Available data do not confirm a unified seasonal syndrome that would affect the population across the board. Studies show that variability among individuals is high and that factors such as sleep quality, stress levels, recent infectious load, or overall nutritional coverage play a key role.
In popular communication, many simplifications appear around spring fatigue. For example, the effect of the time change itself is often overemphasized, which, while it can temporarily disrupt the sleep rhythm, is not the main cause of long-term fatigue. Similarly, neither quick detoxification solutions nor one-sided dietary adjustments represent a systematic solution – and can, on the contrary, lead to further nutritional imbalance.
Children and Spring Fatigue
In children, similar factors manifest rather indirectly – for example, with reduced concentration, irritability, or fluctuating energy during the day. During this period, several influences often overlap simultaneously:
- higher incidence of infections
- changes in routine
- long-term lower exposure to natural light
- less physical activity during the winter months
This is where targeted support for immunity and overall vitality can be relevant.
Practical Tips for the Spring Transition
It is better to perceive spring fatigue not as a standalone problem, but as a signal from the body that it is adapting to the change of seasons and that long-term habits in sleep, diet, or stress may be taking their toll.
Sources
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Roenneberg T, et al. No Evidence for Seasonal Variations in Fatigue, Sleepiness and Insomnia Symptoms: Spring Fatigue Is a Cultural Phenomenon Rather Than a Seasonal Syndrome. J Sleep Res. 2026. doi:10.1111/jsr.70319. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41801014/
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Lee JY, So TY, Thackray J. A Review on Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment in Pediatric Patients. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2013;18(4):277-291. doi:10.5863/1551-6776-18.4.277. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3979050/
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Lips P, Cashman KD, Lamberg-Allardt C, et al. Current vitamin D status in European and Middle East countries and strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency: a position statement of the European Calcified Tissue Society. Eur J Endocrinol. 2019;180(4):P23-P43. doi:10.1530/EJE-18-0736. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30721133/
