Lots of people complain that their energy dips during the colder, darker months. And the results of a new study reveal one possible reason why.
Too little sunshine could be dragging you down.
Researchers assessed the D status of 81 sleep clinic patients, all complaining of sleep problems and non-specific pain. They determined subjects’ sleepiness based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ESSs).
Results showed that, in patients without clinical D deficiency, lower vitamin D status correlated to higher sleepiness scores.
Among patients with clinical D deficiency–and among African American subjects in particular–there was a direct correlation between vitamin D levels and sleepiness quotients. (This is important to note, since deficiency is more common in this population, due to increased skin pigmentation.)
The bottom line? If you’re tired all the time, it’s time to take action. Nip your D deficiency in the bud…and leave hibernation to the bears where it belongs.
Source:
“Vitamin D, race, and excessive daytime sleepiness.” J Clin Sleep Med 2012;8(6):693-697.
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