UAE: Feeling exhausted during winter? It relates more to human biology than personal willpower

Mental health specialists told insider18 that colder winter weather often leaves people feeling sluggish or low on energy. This is not due to poor discipline or weak motivation; instead, it is largely influenced by natural biological processes.

Alex D, an engineer and marketing executive at a Dubai-based fintech company, usually completes his workday around 6pm. However, by the time he leaves the office, darkness has already fallen. The sky is dim, indoor lighting feels harsher, and it seems as though the day has ended prematurely.

“While I’m driving, it already feels like nighttime. By the time I get home, my body feels so exhausted that I just want to sleep, without even unwinding,” Alex said. “It’s odd because my working hours haven’t increased and I sleep the same amount, yet my energy levels drop sharply.”

At home, the change is even more noticeable. Evenings that once felt productive now feel heavy and slow. Motivation declines, simple chores feel demanding, and preparing dinner can feel overwhelming. “I used to go for short walks or stay active after work,” he explained. “Now I just want to lie down. It feels like my body has shut down early, even though it’s not very late.”

Alex’s experience is shared by many. As winter arrives and daylight hours shorten in the UAE, several residents say their evenings feel unusually exhausting.

Sunset comes before the workday finishes, travel happens in darkness, and energy fades sooner than expected.

Dr Shaju George, specialist psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital, explained that winter light patterns can subtly interfere with the body’s internal clock.

“During winter in the UAE, the brain often misses strong light cues in the morning and evening,” he said. “Without these signals, the circadian rhythm — the body’s natural timing mechanism — gradually shifts. This changes when we feel alert and when we feel sleepy.”

He added that shorter days may cause melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep, to increase earlier than normal. “By around 8 or 9pm, the body already feels ready for rest,” he said.

“Meanwhile, reduced morning light means cortisol — the hormone responsible for wakefulness — doesn’t rise effectively, leaving people feeling drained throughout the day.”

The impact goes beyond sleep timing. Research shows that limited daylight can reduce sleep quality, causing more frequent awakenings and less restorative deep sleep.

“Even when people don’t feel overtly sleepy, their focus, reaction speed and mental clarity can be affected the following day,” Dr Shaju said. “That sense of mental fog people talk about is genuine.”

Evening routines can unintentionally worsen the problem. Bright indoor lighting and screens from phones or televisions emit blue light that interferes with melatonin release at inappropriate times. “This delays sleep while exhaustion remains,” he said. “It becomes a cycle of poor rest and low mood.”

For many, the effects feel emotional as well as physical. Dr Sneha John, psychologist at Medcare Kamali Clinic, said seasonal changes often bring subtle shifts.

“Many individuals notice reduced energy or motivation as seasons transition. This isn’t always a clinical issue, and in most cases it can be improved with structure, light exposure and small lifestyle changes.”

She added that seasonal mood changes are often overlooked in sunny regions like the UAE. “People don’t expect this here. But indoor lifestyles, long work hours and limited sunlight can still affect mood and energy. Experiencing this doesn’t mean someone is exaggerating; it’s a normal human reaction.”

From a psychiatric standpoint, Dr Nada Omer, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Hospital, said reduced daylight leads to measurable changes in brain chemistry.

“When sunlight decreases, serotonin — which supports mood — can drop, while melatonin production increases. This influences energy, drive and emotional stability. It occurs even in bright climates because timing and duration of light exposure are just as important as brightness,” she said.

She also noted that increased fatigue, cravings and emotional sensitivity are commonly observed during winter. However, she stressed the importance of distinguishing normal seasonal shifts from more serious concerns.

“If low mood lasts most of the day, affects work or relationships, or continues beyond the season, professional help should be sought,” she said.

Experts agree that for most people, small adjustments can help significantly. Getting natural sunlight within 30 minutes of waking, stepping outdoors during lunch breaks, lowering indoor lighting after sunset and reducing screen brightness in the evening can all make a meaningful difference.