As winter embraces the United Arab Emirates with shorter daylight hours, medical experts reveal that the pervasive fatigue experienced by residents stems from biological mechanisms rather than diminished willpower. The reduction in natural light exposure significantly disrupts circadian rhythms, triggering physiological changes that impact energy levels and sleep patterns.
Dubai-based professional Alex D. exemplifies this phenomenon, describing how his post-work energy vanishes unexpectedly despite maintaining consistent sleep schedules. “By the time I reach home, my body feels so tired that I just feel like sleeping,” he reports, noting how evening activities that were once manageable now feel overwhelmingly burdensome.
Medical specialists including Dr. Shaju George, psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital, explain the science behind this seasonal shift. “Without strong morning and evening light signals, the circadian rhythm slowly drifts,” he states. This disruption causes melatonin production to commence earlier in the evening while simultaneously impairing cortisol release, resulting in diminished daytime alertness.
The consequences extend beyond simple tiredness. Reduced daylight exposure compromises sleep architecture itself, leading to increased nighttime awakenings and diminished deep sleep phases. This results in next-day cognitive impairment characterized by reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and mental fogginess.
Modern lifestyle factors exacerbate these biological tendencies. Dr. George notes that “blue-rich light from phone or TV screens suppresses melatonin at the wrong time,” creating a cycle of exhaustion coupled with delayed sleep onset.
Psychological dimensions accompany the physiological changes. Dr. Sneha John, psychologist at Medcare Kamali Clinic, observes that “individuals notice a dip in energy or motivation as seasons change,” emphasizing that these responses represent normal biological adaptations rather than personal shortcomings.
Notably, these seasonal effects occur even in sun-drenched regions like the UAE due to reduced light exposure timing and duration. Dr. Nada Omer, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Hospital, explains that decreased sunlight causes measurable neurochemical changes: “Serotonin levels linked to mood can drop, while melatonin production increases.”
Experts recommend practical interventions including morning light exposure within 30 minutes of waking, midday outdoor breaks, evening light dimming, and reduced screen brightness. These adjustments help realign circadian rhythms and mitigate winter’s physiological impacts, offering residents strategies to maintain energy and wellbeing throughout the seasonal transition.