Morning fatigue and the impact of circadian rhythms

Persistent morning fatigue can be caused by various factors beyond the reduced daylight hours typical of autumn and winter. While less natural light can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect mood, long-term exhaustion may stem from sleep duration, regularity, and quality, as well as lifestyle factors.

Expert Josef Soukup, a personal trainer and nutrition advisor with Nice To Fit You, notes that light is a primary signal for synchronizing biological clocks. He suggests that increasing exposure to natural light immediately after waking can help support alertness. Other contributing factors to morning tiredness include chronic stress, overwork, physical or mental exhaustion, and the consumption of alcohol or caffeine in the evening. Environmental factors in the bedroom and irregular sleep schedules also play significant roles in sleep quality.