By Dr. Gerard Muraida
As you read this, we are deep into the spring season, and according to Scientific American, spring fever is a real phenomenon. It’s a colloquial term used to describe a feeling of increased energy, restlessness, and optimism that often occurs this time of year. Symptoms for some may include a flushed face, increased heart rate, appetite loss, and daydreaming.
There are biologic and psychological premises related to these seasonal shifts in light exposure, circadian rhythm, temperature, and social activity. During winter months, shorter daylight hours lead to increased melatonin production. Melatonin regulates our sleep-wake cycles and tends to promote sleepiness and reduced energy. At the same time, decreased sunlight exposure may lower serotonin activity in some individuals, contributing to low mood, fatigue, and decreased motivation. These physiologic changes help explain why winter is commonly associated with lethargy and, in susceptible individuals, seasonal affective disorder.
Enter spring and summer: Daylight hours lengthen and sunlight intensity increases. Greater light exposure suppresses melatonin production and influences neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The net effect is often improved alertness, increased energy, and an elevated mood. For many individuals, this manifests as restlessness, renewed motivation, enhanced sociability, improved concentration, and increased goal-directed behavior. Some report a desire to clean, reorganize, exercise, or initiate new projects. We often refer to this change as “spring fever.”
There is also a circadian component. The human body’s internal clock responds strongly to light cues. When daylight increases rapidly in early spring, the circadian system adjusts. This shift may temporarily disturb sleep patterns, resulting in lighter sleep, earlier awakening, or difficulty falling asleep. The combination of increased energy and disrupted sleep may contribute to the subjective feeling of “wired” restlessness that people label as spring fever.
Environmental, social and behavioral factors also play a role. Warmer temperatures promote outdoor activity and social engagement. These contextual changes reinforce the biologic effects of seasonal transition. Increased physical activity improves circulation, endorphin release, and overall vitality.
In children and adolescents, spring fever may be particularly noticeable. Improved weather, anticipation of summer break, and longer daylight exposure may reduce classroom focus and increase distractibility. In adults, productivity may temporarily fluctuate during seasonal adjustment.
From a psychiatric perspective, it is worth noting that while most individuals experience mild positive activation, certain vulnerable populations may experience more pronounced mood shifts. Patients with bipolar disorder, for example, may demonstrate seasonal patterns in which manic or hypomanic episodes are more likely during spring and early summer. This may result in “hyper” behavior. The same environmental drivers—light exposure, circadian changes, and neurotransmitter shifts—may amplify mood instability in predisposed individuals.
The good news is that spring fever is usually self-limited and doesn’t require any medication. A little tincture of time is all that it takes.
