The winter months bring shorter days, darker mornings and evenings, and lower temperatures for millions of people across the UK.
While oxygen levels don’t significantly drop during the winter season, our lifestyle changes can mean that we’re less likely to gain a fresh airflow. We spend longer indoors with a reliance on central heating, leaving many of us feeling fatigued or having brain fog during the working day.
This guide explores the relationship between winter air quality and tiredness or reduced mental clarity, and ways to increase your oxygen intake during the darker months.
Common Causes of Indoor Low Oxygen Fatigue in Winter
During winter, we are more likely to experience symptoms of fatigue and brain fog. Here are just a few common causes:
Stuffy Indoor Spaces with Poor Ventilation
While many people are concerned about outdoor air quality, stuffy indoor air can cause further issues for homeowners across the country. As windows are more likely to be shut, this can lead to higher levels of allergens and damp air. Combined with people spending more time indoors due to the dark, damp weather, this can make regular breathing more difficult and increase the likelihood of fatigue and brain fog.
Exposure to High Levels of Pollution
Pollution can make it harder for your body to breathe in oxygen, especially in towns and cities and in areas with high levels of traffic. According to BBC Science Focus, regular air levels are typically made up of around 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen; however, oxygen levels are likely to be lower in areas of high pollution. Also, pollution tends to be higher in winter, as cold, denser air holds pollutants closer to the ground. As a result, it can be harder to breathe in regular oxygen, while pollution can cause respiratory inflammation.
Cold Air and Restricted Breathing
The colder air can be much harder to breathe as it constricts your airways, making it harder for oxygen to circulate around your body. This can be especially problematic for people over the age of 35, who may have reduced lung capacity, as well as for those with existing respiratory conditions. Both inactivity and over-exercise can negatively affect oxygen levels. While inactivity can lead to weakened muscles and airways narrowing, overexercise can result in increased ventilation of cold air at once, airway damage, and cardiovascular strain.
Increased Chance of Respiratory Illness
More people get ill during the winter months as viruses are more likely to survive in cold, dry air. Consequently, respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds are more prevalent, which can cause mucus to accumulate and obstruct the airways. This makes it harder for people to breathe in oxygen, increasing the chances of fatigue.
The Role of Oxygen in Energy and Mental Clarity
High oxygen levels help fuel cells and muscles in your body, supporting energy and focus. According to research, the brain consumes around 20% of the body’s oxygen supply, and so reduced levels can affect mental focus (Hyder et al., 2013). Furthermore, red blood cells can carry oxygen through the bloodstream, and when there’s a deficiency, it can be more likely to result in fatigue, brain fog, tiredness, and poor concentration.
When the brain gets sufficient levels of oxygen, it can boost alertness, focus, and cognitive function during the darker months.
How Effective is Oxygen for Fatigue Relief?
Supplemental or canned oxygen can offer a convenient, portable way to quickly increase your oxygen consumption. When taken correctly, it can help to alleviate fatigue and fogginess, giving your body temporary feelings of alertness and greater concentration.
At SunVit-D3, we recommend Boost Oxygen, which delivers 95% pure oxygen to give your brain and body more energy. It can be a perfect solution for those spending long hours indoors, commuters, or anyone looking to reduce feelings of mild fatigue.
Though fatigue and brain fog can be caused by a lack of sufficient oxygen levels, they can also be caused by vitamin D deficiency due to low sunlight exposure. Furthermore, vitamin D can help to support long-term well-being.
For greater effectiveness, we recommend pairing your Boost Oxygen use with vitamin D supplements for higher energy levels and increased immunity.
Boost Your Mental Focus and Energy Levels This Winter
During the winter, increasing your oxygen intake can help to improve your winter health. For natural sources of oxygen, make sure you get fresh air, exercise, and indoor ventilation. Meanwhile, many people use non-medical, supplemental oxygen to reduce fatigue when low energy and mental fog set in during the colder months. Regular usage of oxygen cannisters can help you feel more energised, while increasing your focus and alertness.
At the same time, vitamin D supplements can provide a sustained source of energy to improve fatigue and fogginess. Using both together can help to maintain energy levels throughout the darker months.
Explore our range of Boost Oxygen and vitamin D solutions at SunVit-D3 today.
