Is cabin fever real?

1. 72

   craftybirdposted 13 years ago

   Is cabin fever real?
   
   With the winter blues, I was wondering if this is real.

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2. 0

   msorenssonposted 13 years ago

   One needs some ultraviolet rays, which is there whether we see the sun or not, to convert the form of vitamin D from the foods to one that the body actually uses. As the active form of  Vitamin D is involved in hormonal regulation, then there can be an association with sadness. However I say it here in the most simplistic answer I can do at the moment.

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   Peelander Gallyposted 13 years ago

   There's a psychological and metabolic aspect to it, too, aside from what's been said about vitamin D. I've been sick for about a month and a half with one thing after another, cooped up inside, and I can confidently confirm that I'm slowly going insane.

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4. 79

   Express10posted 13 years ago

   Yes, cabin fever is real because staying indoors for extended periods of time has been proven to cause a negative change in the mood of the person. Some people stuck inside find themselves eating more and gaining weight. Being heavier than a previous weight tends to make us feel sluggish and results in a downward trend.
   
   Also, we do need to be exposed to sunlight to create Vitamin D and to maintain our internal clocks that tell us when to get tired and sleepy and when to remain awake. It is also safe to say that for most people who are stuck inside, they don't get much exercise which a lack of also creates havoc for our bodies and minds.
   
   For our bodies a lack of exercise can have you feeling restless and tired at the same time so you don't know whether you should go for a walk or lie down. And a lack of exercise can make your mind go into decline as well because our brains can improve and grow when we exercise. So, with all of these factors in play, it is easy to see that cabin fever is real.

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   lburmasterposted 13 years ago

   The movie "Cabin Fever" never happened. However, there is a disease that can be caused by a certain fungus on a rasor blade. If this fungus gets into broken skin then it will grow rapidly. The person basically dies of an eating bacteria in under 48 hours.
   However, the idea of cabin fever is possible. It's just partially in your head and partially not. Psychologically, you can create the disease by believing you have it. Realistically, you can actually have it for lack of being outside.

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   relawsheposted 13 years ago

   There is a real disorders called "Seasonal Affective Disorder" and is very common here in the Pacific Northwest (for example), a region that does not get many days of bright sunlight.  This is a very real disorder and causes folks to get a bit down in the dumps and lethargic.  I think that explains why there are so many coffee places here, because we all need the pick me up of caffeine, and it feels so lovely to sip something hot & soothing on these dreary days!  There are some great hubs that discuss SAD, and you can always Google it for more answers.

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