Autumn is here and while the change of scenery is absolutely beautiful, are you one of those people constantly feeling sleepy and rather moody? Does dull weather really wears you down?

If yes, then you’re not alone. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder that happens every year at the same time. While experts don’t know the exact cause of SAD, some scientists think that certain hormones made deep in the brain trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of year.


Dr. Michael Howell, a sleep specialist at the University of Minnesota says the changes in the sunlight are responsible for changes in our body’s natural rhythm. Our bodies have summertime and wintertime clocks that are determined by our exposure to the sunlight.

sleepy During autumn, the sun rises later than it used to which means that we get less natural light and we get it later in the day. Will more artificial light in the morning help us feel more alert? The answer is no.


This time of year also gradually brings colder temperatures that can change our behavior. No one is really eager to work out in the cooler weather and prefers to stay indoors.

This autumn sleepy mood is in most cases only temporary as most people’s bodies will adjust to the changes in sunlight within a few weeks.

To help you fight the “autumn blues” you can try:

  • Exercise regularly. Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Remember, if the season change gets you more down than you think, feeling fatigued, depressed and constantly irritated, it is best to see your doctor for an assessment, so that you can get the right treatment for you.

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