Why Does Rain Make Me Sleepy?

If you are wondering why the rain makes you sleepy. Be assured that you are not the only one who feels drowsy and sleepy when it rains. This weather can make you more sluggish and less energetic. Lots of researches have done to study this negative effect of weather on mood and personality.  

Why Does Rain Make You Sleepy?

why does rain make me sleepy

1.      Hormone Changes

Sunlight stimulates the optic nerve and the production of melatonin is decreased by this stimulation. Melatonin makes us sleepy and when there is not enough sunlight, the hormone production is not reduced, so we feel sleepier. Serotonin, which is a mood elevator, is also produced in the presence of sunlight. When there is less sunlight, serotonin production is reduced, making you feel sleepy.

2.      The Smell

Why does rain make me sleepy? Another reason could be the smell. We all are familiar with the smell of soil after rain. This musky scent is soothing and refreshing. It is produced when a substance named geosmin interacts with plant oils present in the soil. These oils are secreted by the plants to prevent the seeds from germination when the weather is dry. When it rains, these oils get dissolved and the seeds can grow.

Besides, the smell after a thunderstorm can also be a reason. This smell which resembles a lot to freshly laundered bed sheets is the aroma of ozone. When lightning strikes, the oxygen molecules break and reform. Many of them resume the original double molecule structure of oxygen, but some get converted to the triple molecular form of ozone. The smell of ozone is soothing and can induce sleep.

3.      Low Atmospheric Pressure

Low atmospheric pressure leads to rain, and when the atmospheric pressure drops, the oxygen pressure in air also decreases. In this condition, the body senses a low oxygen supply, so it slows down the metabolism, which can make you more sluggish and sleepy.

4.      Reduced Visibility

Human bodies are adjusted according to the presence of sunlight. Daytime is meant for work and nighttime is for rest. When it rains, the sunlight disappears, so morning and afternoon look like evening, which makes your body tend to close your eyes. 

5.      The Sound of Rain

We live in a very noisy world. There is always some background noise present. When it rains, all other sounds get muffled. Usually, the rain falls in a steady pattern and the sound it produces acts as a lullaby. This effect can make you sleepy.

6.      The Psychological Aspect

When it is sunny and bright, we are more prone to being active. Sunshine and day time is associated with work, activity and play time. When we see everyone around us moving quickly we tend to follow. When it rains, we don't go out and being indoors makes us sluggish, lazy and tired.

How to Feel Less Sleepy in Rainy Days

Why does rain make me sleepy? Now you know the answer. If you have to do something important on rainy days, you must want to know how to feel less sleepy.

1.     Get Active

If the gloomy and wet weather outside is making you very tired and sleepy, exercise will help a lot. Any kind of physical activity that increases the blood flow can instantly energize you.

  • The best time to hit the gym to beat the sleepy feeling of the rain is mid-afternoon. You can also opt for some lighter exercise if your energy levels are low.
  • You can walk about in your office to boost your energy if you are at work.
  • Try to have at least half an hour of physical activity daily to feel more energetic.

2.     Have Your Caffeine Fix

When you feel sleepy or drowsy during the day, you can go for a cup of coffee or tea. The caffeine gives an instant boost to our minds and can keep away the drowsiness, and this is because caffeine can act on brain cells and stimulate them. It may take 20 to 30 minutes for the effects to kick in. Do remember that excessive caffeine is not advisable, and the daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg or four cups of coffee or tea. Avoid drinking coffee or tea in late afternoon for a proper night sleep.

3.     Have a Healthy Breakfast

Why does rain make me sleepy and what to do to fight against sleepiness? An important thing to do is to eat your breakfast. Ideally, breakfast should be taken within half an hour after waking up. A healthy breakfast will not only keep you energized all day, it will also improve your cognitive function. The best options for breakfast are wholegrain cereals, eggs, proteins and fruit. Stay away from refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks. 

4.     Try the Breathing Exercise

If you are feeling very sleepy and do not have time for any extensive physical activity, you can try the breathing exercise. Breathe in from your nose and pull your tummy in as you inhale, then breathe out. Repeat the breathing pattern quickly to feel awake and alert instantly.

 
 
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