Feeling Tired This Monsoon? Doctors List 9 Hidden Signs of Low Vitamin D You Shouldn’t Ignore

The rainy season often brings tiredness and low energy. Many people feel exhausted even after sleeping well. You may also notice body aches, irritability, or a low mood. While most people blame the gloomy weather, a common but overlooked cause could be a drop in vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D helps keep your bones strong and muscles healthy, boosts your immune system, and supports your mood and mental health. Our skin makes this vitamin when it gets sunlight. But during the monsoon, cloudy skies and less outdoor time reduce our sun exposure, which can lead to low vitamin D.

Common signs of low vitamin D levels

Dr. Siri M. Kamath from Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, lists nine common symptoms that may point to a vitamin D deficiency during the monsoon:

Always feeling tired

If you feel worn out all day even after resting, your vitamin D might be low. It can make everyday tasks harder.

Muscle pain without reason

If your muscles ache or feel weak with no clear cause, it could be due to a lack of vitamin D.

The body feels heavy

A constant feeling of heaviness or low energy in the body is another sign to watch out for.

Mood swings or sadness

Vitamin D affects your mood. Low levels can cause irritability, sadness, or even depression.

Hard to focus

Struggling to concentrate or feeling mentally foggy might also point to a vitamin D shortage.

Falling sick often

Getting frequent colds or infections could mean your immune system is weak due to low vitamin D.

Bone pain or weak bones

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Low levels can cause bone pain or increase the risk of fractures.

Trouble sleeping

If you’re having problems sleeping or staying asleep, vitamin D might be involved.

More sensitive to pain

Some people feel pain more intensely when their vitamin D is low.

Who is more likely to be deficient?

Certain people have a higher risk of low vitamin D. Those who stay indoors a lot, older adults, and people with darker skin tones are more likely to face this problem. As we age, our skin also becomes less efficient at making vitamin D from sunlight.

How to check and improve vitamin D levels

If you notice several of the symptoms above, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can check your vitamin D levels. If it’s low, the doctor might suggest supplements.

"The supplement dose depends on how low your vitamin D is," says Dr. Kamath. Some people might need it weekly or monthly. It’s important to take it only as your doctor recommends, because too little or too much can be harmful. Foods like fortified milk, eggs, and oily fish can help increase your vitamin D, but they might not be enough if your vitamin D is too low.

Sunlight is still the best source

After the monsoon is over and the sun is out again, try to sit in the sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a week—best before 11 a.m. This helps your body make vitamin D naturally. However, for people who already have a deficiency, sunlight alone may not be enough, and supplements might still be needed. Correcting low vitamin D can boost your energy, improve your mood, and protect your bones and immunity in the long run.