How to Stay Energetic During Winter Season
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
People tend to feel tired and more lethargic during the winter, when there is less daylight.
Experts say the biorhythm of the human body is controlled by the sunlight, as the optic nerve perceives sunlight and triggers the secretion of melatonin. This process is part of the system that regulates the sleep-wake cycle by causing drowsiness and lowering the body temperature. Therefore, a change in the amount of sunlight one receives affects the whole body.
According to Prof. Park Doo-heum of Konkuk University Hospital, "Trying to sleep and wake up regularly during the summer and winter helps the body maintain homeostasis."
He proposed waking up about 10 minutes earlier than usual in order to stretch.
Here's some more advice from Park for staying healthy and energetic during the long winter.
1. Get regular exercise, especially during the daytime.
3. Stretch regularly.
4. Sleep well. This may sound obvious, but sleep is the best way to maintain your biorhythm. If you have trouble sleeping, do not drink alcohol or coffee before going to bed.