Why Montana Winters Drain Your Energy So Quickly

Do Montanans really get more tired in the winter?  I think it's time for a little armchair science.

Montana Winters May Actually Mess With Your Rest

I sit in my little house thinking it has to be 10-11pm because it's so dark and I'm so tired, only to find out its only 5:30. WHAT. IS. Happening?

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It's a real thing. Feeling more tired and sluggish in December, January and February (I'd add November and March to that list of months if you live in Montana.) is absolutely normal.

Science Gives These Reasons For The Winter Slump

• Reduced exposure to the sun. When we don't have as many hours with sunlight, it messes with our circadian rhythm. When that happens, our bodies create natural melatonin and we feel sleepier earlier
• Due to less sun exposure, we're exposed to less Vitamin D. We only need 10 minutes of exposure daily to get enough Vitamin D in our system. Thing is, that's not a very easy task in the fall and winter. When the body isn't getting enough Vitamin D, it will impact your mood, energy level and immune function
• Mood Disturbances. If you have SAD, winter can make your anxiety and depression worsen, often leading to lack of sleep and exhaustion
• It's cold. Cold weather makes your body work harder to keep warm, so naturally, you'll get tired quicker

What Can Montanans Do To Fight The Winter Slump?

• Get yourself some light. Whether that's opening the curtains to let the sun in or sitting with a lamp, it's a great way to start your day off on the right foot
• Exercise to start the day. Exercising in the morning is a great way to get a healthy energy boost and regulate your circadian rhythm. (Be sure and exercise hours before you turn in for the day, if you don't do it in the morning.)
• Take a power nap between 12 Noon and 3pm. This nap shouldn't be longer than 20 minutes, or it's a whole new bucket of problems
• Get enough sleep daily. It's best to try and sleep between 7 and 9 hours, going to bed and waking up roughly the same time daily, even weekends.

If you're doing all of these things and winter is still dragging you down, see a doctor.

Sources: Montana Psychiatry, Henry Ford Health, Mayo Clinic, National Library of Medicine