by Meghan Rizzo

Created on: February 26, 2010

Spring Fever is the term given to describe psychological changes people experience at the onset of the spring season.  Though the word "fever" implies an illness, spring fever is not a medical condition and certainly not cause for concern.  "Symptoms" usually include increased energy levels, increased sex drive, feelings of giddiness, and a general feeling of well-being. 

Though its effects are psychological, the reasons behind spring fever are physiological in nature.  Just as the "winter blues" are caused by a lack of exposure to natural sunlight, spring fever is the result of changes in brain chemistry that occur when the days lengthen and exposure to sunlight increases. 

Of course, psychology does play its part in causing spring fever as well.  It is only natural for people to feel energized and renewed after being cooped up for the long winter, fighting spring fever's polar opposite: cabin fever.

Increased energy levels, while usually desirable, can sometimes lead to reckless behavior.  Some studies show that there is an increase in automobile accidents in the spring, particularly after the change to daylight savings time, when people lose an hour of sleep.    Sports cars emerge from their winter hiding places and people drive with the windows down and the music blasting.  The accidents, however, could be attributed to the simple fact that there are more people on the road as well as more pedestrians.

Those with the spring fever "symptom" of increased libido are also at risk for reckless behavior, though in most cases on a smaller scale.  On a serious note, raging hormones might lead to the decision to fore go the use of protection during sex.  However, most people are simply at risk of appearing foolish as their libido might cause them to approach the preferred gender a bit over-zealously.

While the desire to socialize, flirt and perhaps drive a bit too fast are all qualities of those afflicted with spring fever, some might notice feelings of lethargy, particularly when faced with routine responsibilities.  Spring is a popular time for playing hooky from school or work.  It's simply too nice outside to be cooped up in an office! 

Strangely, after an afternoon spent in  the sun, one might feel exhausted instead of energized.  Any beach-bum will confirm the fact that, somehow, dozing on the beach causes one to want a nap as soon as he or she gets home!  This is probably due to the fact that the body is simply not used to the heat.  The desire to stay still and remain inactive in direct sunlight is a defense mechanism that kicks in to prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, or the like. 

While spring fever is mostly associated with positive feelings, both emotional and physical, increased energy might cause some to suffer feelings of anxiety while others might feel manic or out of control.  In any case, spring fever is generally short lived.  The body readjusts itself to the longer days and those giddy feelings, whether welcome or not, suddenly become far less pronounced.

Learn more about this author, Meghan Rizzo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.