Why Do Some People Feel More Tired in Spring Despite Better Weather?

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 11, 2026

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One explanation is that the body may need time to adjust to changing daylight and daily timing. A study published through the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that spring is associated with earlier wake times and, for some people, shorter sleep duration. Medical sleep sources also note that the spring daylight saving time shift can disturb sleep because it reduces morning light exposure while increasing evening light.

Seasonal allergy is another common factor. Allergic rhinitis does not only cause sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes. It can also contribute to fatigue, especially when symptoms interfere with sleep quality. Mayo Clinic notes that hay fever can lead to poor sleep, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell.

In some cases, the tiredness is not really about spring itself, but about an underlying issue becoming more noticeable, such as chronic sleep loss or a mood disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health says seasonal affective disorder most often begins in late fall or winter, but a less common pattern can start in spring or summer.

For most people, mild and short-term fatigue is not a reason for alarm. It may help to keep sleep and wake times consistent, get morning daylight, and manage allergy symptoms when needed.

But if fatigue lasts for weeks, comes with low mood, severe daytime sleepiness, or clearly disrupts daily life, it is worth seeking medical evaluation to rule out other causes. This is an editorial inference based on the medical evidence around sleep, allergies, and seasonal mood patterns