Why You're Still Tired When Spring Finally Arrives

Spring gets hyped up like a reset button. Longer days, warmer mornings, everyone suddenly running on main character energy. Except for the first few weeks, it doesn't always feel that way. If you're still dragging yourself out of bed in early September, you're not imagining it, and you're definitely not the only one.

Your body hasn't caught up yet

Through winter, your body gets used to less light and a slower rhythm. Then spring shows up fast, the sun's up earlier, it's setting later, and your internal clock is basically jet-lagged without ever getting on a plane.

That foggy, slightly-off feeling? That's your body trying to catch up to a season that moved faster than it did.

Your vitamin D is probably still running on empty

Here's the part that surprises people: winter sun in NZ barely does anything for your vitamin D, even on a bright, clear day. So by the time spring rolls around, your levels are usually sitting at their lowest point all year.

And they don't just bounce back because the weather's nicer. Getting outside more definitely helps, but topping up with a supplement gives your body a head start instead of waiting around for the sun to do all the work.

Allergies might be quietly wearing you down too

If your nose is a bit stuffy but you wouldn't call it a full-blown allergy, that's still your immune system working overtime in the background, which uses up energy you'd rather be spending elsewhere. Worth keeping in mind if you've already ruled out "I just need more sleep."