Disease Description (Causes and Symptoms)
- Definition: Temporary, physiological fatigue and daytime sleepiness that occur during seasonal transitions, especially in spring (spring fatigue). It is considered a physiological phenomenon resulting from adaptation to the environment rather than a disease.
- Causes and pathophysiology: Occurs during the body’s adaptation to the environment as temperatures and humidity change rapidly from winter to spring and activity levels increase. Minor imbalances in metabolism, hormones, and sleep rhythms may manifest as fatigue and sleepiness.
- Main symptoms: Daytime sleepiness, general fatigue and lack of energy, reduced concentration, lassitude, and decreased work performance. Numbness in the hands and feet, headache, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and indigestion may also occur.
- Diagnostic overview: Primarily a symptom-based clinical diagnosis, with confirmation of the seasonal course. Additional evaluation is needed to rule out other causes, such as anemia, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and narcolepsy, in the following cases:
- Weight loss or extreme fatigue that makes it impossible to maintain daily activities
- Shortness of breath during exercise
- General symptoms such as night sweats
Treatment
- Basic principles: Unless an underlying disease is identified, treatment focuses on symptom relief and lifestyle modification. The prognosis is generally good, and symptoms improve with the change of season.
- Lifestyle management (main recommendations)
- Balanced diet: Supplement vitamins, especially B vitamins and vitamin C, by consuming spring greens, fresh vegetables, and fruit. Whole grains and seasonal vegetables, including beans, brown rice, and barley, are recommended.
- Regular aerobic exercise: At least 3 times a week, for at least 30 minutes per session, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming. Excessive exercise may worsen fatigue, so increase activity gradually.
- Sleep hygiene: Keep your wake-up time consistent. A short nap of no more than 20 minutes is recommended; avoid long naps of 20 minutes or more.
- Stress management: Manage stress caused by environmental changes such as moving or entering school through rest, hobbies, and psychological coping strategies.
- Limit excessive caffeine and alcohol intake and eat regular meals.
- Medication: No specific medication is recommended. If necessary, short-term vitamin supplements may be used after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist, or medications may be given to treat an underlying disease, such as anemia or thyroid abnormalities.
- Other: If symptoms are severe or impair daily functioning, evaluation by a specialist is recommended, including blood tests, thyroid function tests, and sleep disorder testing.
- Precautions and risk of complications: There are usually no complications, but care should be taken to prevent a delayed diagnosis of an underlying disease by simply dismissing the symptoms as spring fatigue. Prolonged extreme fatigue may lead to depression and reduced work capacity.
Checklist Before an Outpatient Visit (Including Example Questions)
Items and information to prepare
- List of currently taken medications and supplements
- When the symptoms began and their course (when they started and whether there is a seasonal pattern)
- Sleep pattern (bedtime and wake-up time, and whether you nap and for how long)
- Eating habits (whether you are a picky eater and any weight changes)
- Changes in exercise levels and daily activities
- Accompanying symptoms (fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.)
- Previous test results (bring any recent blood test or thyroid test results, if available)
- Symptom diary (record the frequency and severity of sleepiness and fatigue) Tests that may be performed during an outpatient visit (at the doctor’s discretion)
- Basic blood tests (CBC, serum iron/ferritin), thyroid function tests, blood glucose, etc.
- Sleep evaluation or mental health evaluation, if necessary Example questions (items for the patient to record)
- The date symptoms began and their impact on daily life (work, driving, etc.)
- Daytime and nighttime symptom patterns (Are you sleepy only during the day, or do you also have insomnia at night?)
Examples of General Questions to Ask the Doctor
- How do you determine whether these symptoms are simply seasonal fatigue or whether additional tests are needed?
- If I am taking medications or supplements, are there any potential interactions, and are they recommended?
- Which lifestyle habit should I prioritize changing in my daily life?
- What signs should I watch for if the symptoms worsen?
Examples of Disease-Specific Questions
- How much can I nap? (Recommended duration and frequency)
- Would taking vitamins or specific supplements be helpful? (Recommended ingredients and dosage)
- If the symptoms persist for more than one month, what additional tests or specialist visits are needed?