This syndrome at the start of the holidays explains why you fall ill on the 1st day of the holidays

It is no coincidence that some people systematically fall into the approach of the weekend. Consequently, from the first day of leave. However, Behind this apparently unlucky coincidence hides an unknown disorder. Therefore, studied for the first time in 2002 by the Dutch psychologist Ad Vingerhoets, of the University of Tilburg.“Every Friday. In addition, at 4 pm, I fell ill, and on Monday morning, at seven o’clock, everything was back to normal”he said. Nevertheless, A diagram he observed in him … Furthermore, and in many others.

During this study published in the journal Psychotherapy. Meanwhile, Psychosomaticsalmost 2 to 3 % of 1,893 respondents declared to fall sick precisely during this syndrome start holidays explains the holidays or the weekend, indicates the site Marie France. However, This syndrome, baptized “leisure disease”, manifests itself in influenza symptoms: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, nausea or fever. During rest periods, the body suddenly seems to be flanked. For what ?

Holidays: stress. this false friend who keeps the organization on alert – This syndrome start holidays explains

When the agenda overflows and responsibilities accumulate, the brain focuses only on the task to be accomplished. This mechanism could screen the alert signals sent by the body. “You may pay less attention to these signals”explained Ad Vingerhoets. Once on vacation, everything stops … and the organization seemed to be caught up in what it did not listen to.

But there is more disturbing. According to researchers, chronic stress could paradoxically have a shield effect on our health. “Intense stress makes the body more resistant to diseases, and not the other way around”they this syndrome start holidays explains say. It is precisely the sudden stop of this tension which would trigger a weakening of the immune system. opening the door to infections.

An opinion shared by Dr Gérald Kierzek: “This phenomenon is mainly explained by a hormonal imbalance. a sudden drop in stress”. He details: “During intense work periods. the body produces large amounts of noradrenaline, the stress hormone, which maintains the immune system on alert. When you come on vacation, the production of this hormone drops suddenly, temporarily weakening the immune defenses ”.

How to avoid “leisure disease” before the holidays?

Not all are affected. but some profiles are more at risk: perfectionists, very invested executives, those who live their work as a mission. The brutal passage this syndrome start holidays explains between hyperactivity and total relaxation exposes them particularly. “The transition from work to rest is difficult!” », Recognizes Dr. Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.

The good news? Solutions exist. Ad Vinggerhoets himself found a simple way to reduce symptoms: practice physical activity on Friday evening, as decompression airlocks. But the most important thing remains awareness: “It must be said: I seem to suffer from this disease. and it may have something to have with the way I perceive my work”.

Dr Kierzek also recommends a more global approach: “So gradually reduce stress before the holidays. with regular breaks at work, and a balanced lifestyle throughout the year (food, sport …)”.

For the time being. this syndrome remains little studied : “Future studies should be thought of […] to assess the effectiveness of physical or psychological interventions ”conclude the researchers. “The domain seems neglected”regret Vingerhoets. However, this phenomenon directly affects the this syndrome start holidays explains quality of life of millions of people. What if we stopped getting sick for good … as soon as we take rest?