If you feel more worn down, sluggish, or drained every winter, you’re not imagining it. Many Albertans notice a real drop in energy between late fall and early spring. For most people, this winter fatigue is mild and temporary, but for others, it can feel overwhelming or linger longer than expected.
While some tiredness is part of living through long, cold winters, persistent fatigue can sometimes be a sign that your heart or lungs are under strain.
At PulseAir Heart & Lung Centre, we help Albertans understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to take a closer look at symptoms that don’t improve on their own.
Why Does Winter Fatigue Hit So Hard in Alberta?
1. Shorter days disrupt your internal clock
Alberta’s long winter nights mean less exposure to natural daylight. This can throw off your circadian rhythm, which is the system that regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Less sunlight leads to:
- Increased melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy)
- Grogginess in the morning
- Lower energy during the day
Over time, this can contribute to what many people describe as “winter burnout.”
2. Cold, dry air makes your body work harder
Stepping outside into cold air isn’t just unpleasant; it forces both your lungs and heart to work harder.
Your lungs:
Cold, dry air irritates the airways and can trigger coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, especially in people with asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis.
Your heart:
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to maintain circulation. Even light outdoor activity can feel more tiring as a result.
3. More time indoors means more exposure to viruses
Influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and common colds circulate more easily in winter when people spend more time indoors.
Even a mild infection can:
- Drain energy for weeks
- Worsen breathing symptoms
- Trigger flare-ups in people with heart or lung conditions
If your fatigue follows a respiratory illness and doesn’t improve, it’s worth paying attention.
4. Lower vitamin D levels
Reduced sunlight can also lower vitamin D levels, which are linked to fatigue, low mood, and weakened immune response. Many Canadians experience this seasonal drop, especially in northern climates.
5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
For some people, winter fatigue isn’t just physical. Seasonal Affective Disorder can cause low energy, sleep changes, reduced motivation, and mental exhaustion layered on top of physical tiredness.
When Is Winter Fatigue Not Normal?
Fatigue deserves a closer look when it’s persistent, worsening, or paired with symptoms related to your heart or lungs.
Here’s when you should take a closer look:
1. You run out of breath more easily
If everyday activities, like climbing stairs, walking, or even talking in the cold, feel harder than usual, it could point to:
- Asthma or COPD flare‑ups
- Undiagnosed respiratory conditions
- Heart issues that affect blood flow and oxygenation
Shortness of breath that worsens in winter is a key reason patients come to PulseAir for pulmonary function testing.
2. You have chest discomfort, especially in the cold
Cold weather can cause blood vessels to tighten, increasing the workload on your cardiac system. Seek a heart assessment if you notice:
- Chest pressure or tightness
- Discomfort that appears outdoors or during exertion
- Symptoms that improve when you warm up
Important: Never ignore chest pain. If it’s sudden, severe, or accompanied by dizziness or nausea, seek urgent medical care.
3. Your fatigue lasts for weeks, not days
If your energy has been low for more than two weeks, even with adequate sleep, it could be a sign of:
- Sleep apnea (common and often worse in winter)
- Low oxygen levels
- Heart rhythm issues
- Lung inflammation, lingering infection, or early COPD
4. You’re coughing more than usual
A “winter cough” is common, but a cough lasting longer than 10 days, or one that returns every winter, could indicate:
- Asthma
- Post‑viral inflammation
- Chronic bronchitis
- Early COPD
- Heart‑related fluid retention
5. You feel exhausted after light-to-moderate activity
If simple tasks like carrying groceries, shovelling lightly, or walking to your car leave you unusually out of breath, it’s worth a consultation to rule out cardiovascular or respiratory concerns.
How Heart and Lung Conditions Can Hide Behind Fatigue
Many Albertans are surprised to learn just how strongly winter symptoms corelate with heart and lung conditions. Your fatigue could be connected to:
- Sleep apnea: Poor sleep quality leads to daytime exhaustion
- Undiagnosed asthma: Cold exposure triggers airway tightening
- COPD: Often shows up first as fatigue or chronic cough
- Heart disease: Reduced circulation can make the body feel heavy and slow
A simple assessment can clarify what’s behind your symptoms.
When to Book an Appointment
You should reach out to your personal care team or the team at PulseAir if:
- Your fatigue lasts more than 2–3 weeks
- You’re regularly short of breath indoors or outdoors
- Cold air triggers coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness
- You have chest discomfort of any kind
- You suspect sleep apnea (snoring, morning headaches, unrefreshing sleep)
- You’re concerned about heart or lung health due to family history or existing conditions
How PulseAir Can Help
At PulseAir Heart & Lung Centre, we offer full diagnostic support for Albertans experiencing winter‑related fatigue, breathing issues, or suspected heart concerns, including:
- Pulmonary function testing
- Sleep testing (at‑home or in‑lab)
- Cardiology consultations and stress testing
- Respiratory assessments
- Home oxygen evaluations
- CPAP therapy support and equipment
If winter is making your fatigue unmanageable, or you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal, our team can help you get answers, and a plan that fits your life. PulseAir is here to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your heart and lung health all winter long.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer answers and better energy.