Warm weather can make us feel like slowing down and taking it easy, but why does this happen? As the temperature rises, we may start to feel lethargic, sleepy, and ultimately tired. From heat exhaustion to dehydration, there are a few reasons why the hot summer sun can make us feel so drained. In this blog post we’ll explore the science behind why warm weather makes us so exhausted and what we can do to stay energized during the summer months.
Why do we feel tired in warmer weather?
The temperature factor
The most obvious factor at play here is temperature. When the temperature rises, our bodies need to work harder to stay cool. This means that our bodies have to do more work just to keep up with the heat. The body has a number of ways of dealing with this extra work, such as sweating and increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin. All of this extra activity takes energy away from other parts of your body, making you feel more tired than usual.
Read also: Why does cold weather make you tired?
Natural response
When we’re exposed to warmth, our bodies respond by vasodilation, which involves the widening of blood vessels in the skin so more blood can flow closer to the surface of the body. This increases circulation and helps dissipate heat from within. To further cool down, our bodies sweat, releasing water from the skin’s surface as evaporative cooling. Although this helps regulate internal temperature, it also strains the body and leads to fatigue due to dehydration. As a result, not only are we feeling warmer than we’d like but our cognitive functioning is decreased due to decreased blood flow in both the gut and brain.
Sun exposure
Another factor to consider is the effect of UVA and UVB rays on our bodies. Not only can sun exposure cause our skin to burn, but it can also affect us internally. The body produces more melatonin when exposed to sunlight, which can lead to drowsiness and sleepiness if we’re not careful. This natural response is part of our circadian rhythm and can make us feel sluggish after a day in the sun.
Melatonin production
Another factor that contributes to sleepiness during summer months is melatonin onset. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for initiating sleep-wake cycles and its production is usually triggered by darkness or low light levels at night time. However during summer months when days are longer and sunlight more intense, melatonin onset may become delayed leading to increased sleepiness during daytime hours.
Heat exhaustion
The human body is designed to be fairly resilient when it comes to changing temperatures. However, when exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods of time, our bodies start to struggle with maintaining a healthy balance. Heat causes our internal temperature regulation system (thermoregulation) to kick into gear as our bodies attempt to cool off by sweating and releasing excess heat through the skin. This process requires energy as sweat glands become active and blood moves closer to the surface of the skin in an effort to lose heat quicker. This increased activity can result in fatigue as your body uses up energy reserves that could otherwise be used for other tasks such as focusing or exercising.
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke is a medical condition that can occur in hot weather. Heat exhaustion happens when we become dehydrated due to excessive sweating while exposed to high temperatures over long periods of time. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness and confusion – all of which make it harder for us to focus on tasks at hand – leading us towards being more prone to fatigue or exhaustion if left untreated.
UV light
Apart from extreme temperatures causing physical strain on our bodies due to mental impairment resulting from exposure to high levels of UV radiation from sunlight has been linked with poorer cognitive functioning in some people too. Research states that higher than average UV radiation can lead people towards feeling more fatigued and less able to perform mentally demanding tasks – making even simple activities seem tedious and tiring during hot days without adequate protection against the sun’s rays.
Dehydration
Warm weather can make us feel tired due to dehydration. Our bodies rely on water for proper functioning and if we don’t consume enough fluids, our body’s organs won’t be able to do their jobs efficiently. When the amount of fluid intake falls below the recommended daily amount, our bodies start to become dehydrated which affects how energy is regulated. Dehydration causes an imbalance in electrolyte levels resulting in symptoms such as headaches and fatigue – making it harder to stay alert during the day and leading us towards feeling more exhausted while out in the heat.
Dehydration can happen in warm water as well as outside in warm weather. This is one of the reasons why you get tired in a hot tub, and also why you feel tired after a shower.
Lack of sleep
Another factor at play here is lack of sleep. As temperatures rise in the summer months, it often becomes harder for people to sleep properly due to discomfort from heat or difficulty breathing in high humidity levels. Not getting enough quality sleep can lead your body to feel run down and exhausted even after only one night without proper restful sleep! Lack of sleep combined with an increased workload due to high temperatures can make us feel extremely fatigued throughout the day no matter how much we drink or rest!
Psychological effects
Aside from the physical effects of warm weather on the body, there are also psychological reasons why we tend to feel more sluggish during the summer months. Warmer temperatures can lead people to stay indoors more often (or be less active outdoors) in order to keep cool—which can result in lower levels of activity overall. Additionally, since summer tends to be associated with long days and vacations for many people (especially those living in temperate climates), there is often a sense that anything goes during this season—which could lead one to have less self-discipline or motivation overall than one might have during other times of the year.
Read also: Can the weather make you tired?
How can you stay energized during hot weather?
Stay Hydrated
It can be easy to forget to drink enough water when it’s hot outside, but staying hydrated is essential for keeping your energy levels up. When you’re dehydrated, your body has to work harder to function properly and this leads to fatigue. So make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and if you need a boost of energy, try adding a bit of fresh lemon juice or mint leaves for a refreshing twist! Avoid caffeinated drinks as these can cause more fluid loss. You may wish to take on more electrolytes if you feel drowsy by using a hydration tablet or powder.
Get Moving
It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise can help give you more energy! Exercise increases blood flow which helps get oxygen to your cells, providing them with the fuel they need for energy. Plus, it helps release endorphins which act as natural mood boosters. So try to make time for some physical activity every day—even if it’s just taking a brisk walk around the block after dinner—to help keep your energy levels up during the summer months. However, it’s probably best to avoid extreme exercise on high-temperature days.
Carry a Portable Fan
Having a small fan with you wherever you go during hot weather is a great way to stay cool and comfortable while still getting things done. These fans come in all shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your needs. They can be battery-powered or USB-powered depending on your preference. A fan will help keep you from overheating while also providing a nice breeze that will keep you feeling refreshed throughout the day.
Eat Smartly
What you eat plays an important role in how energized you feel throughout the day. Eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables will provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals that will give it the fuel it needs to power through any task. Avoid processed or sugary snacks as these can cause an initial spike in energy followed by an inevitable crash later on.
Take Breaks
Taking frequent breaks from whatever activity you are doing is important for keeping your energy levels up when it is hot outside. Get away from direct sunlight by sitting in the shade or going indoors whenever possible, and take short breaks throughout the day where possible in order to give yourself time to rest and recharge before continuing with whatever task lies ahead of you.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wearing tight clothing traps heat against your skin which makes it more difficult for your body to cool itself down naturally through sweat evaporation; opt instead for loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics that allow air flow around your skin and keep you cooler while outdoors in hot weather conditions!
Have an afternoon nap
Napping can be a great way to recharge your batteries when you’re feeling exhausted in the heat. Naps should generally be no longer than 30 minutes, but this short break from activity can give you added energy and focus for the rest of the day. You may also want to try taking 10-minute power naps throughout the day if time allows. Just make sure you get enough sleep at night, too—a good 7-8 hours per night is essential for staying energized!
Conclusion: Why does warm weather make you tired?
Ultimately, warm weather can make us feel tired for a variety of reasons including increased temperature leading our bodies to work harder, dehydration from excess sweating, and lack of quality sleep due to discomfort from heat or high humidity levels during summer months!
The good news is there are effective ways of combatting hot weather-related fatigue either through reducing exposure or engaging in cooling activities that don’t put additional strain on your body’s resources like sitting near a fan or air-conditioning unit or going swimming in a pool or lake where available! So next time you’re feeling lethargic in hot summer weather, remember that you don’t have to accept it as fate – take some proactive steps towards regaining strength and energy so you can enjoy those sunny days!