Sleep & Chronic Fatigue

A common cause of fatigue is a basic disturbence of a person’s circadian rhythms, the system that controls the body’s inner clock.  The sleep/wake cycles of the body are triggered by the hormone melatonin, which is produced in the pituitary gland, located in the brain.

How We Sleep & Wake:

When it is dark outside melatonin production increases the ability to sleep. Morning light signals the pituitary gland to stop producing melatonin, but for some people the light may not be strong enough,
especially during the winter time.

Chronic Fatigue & Melatonin

Overproduction of melatonin can lead to constant and chronic fatigue.  To correct this, take a walk outside in the morning to expose yourself to sunlight and stop the release of melatonin.  This also works well in counteracting jet lag.  An indoor alternative is to use full spectrum light box, which emits light that is 10 times stronger than natural light.  Positive results frequently appear when a person uses the full spectrum light box for 1-2 hours a day.
It is best used in the morning.