Why do we feel sleepier in Monsoon time?

Yes that is right we do feel sleepier in the rainy weather. We become more thoughtful and feel wearier than usual.

With the sky overcast and sun in short supply, our melatonin secretion also decreases making our bodies confused about the day and night cycle or more scientifically known as the circadian rhythm. This makes us feel more sleepy and through the day. When there is less sunlight, the body produces less serotonin that makes people feel easily depressed, lazy and de-motivated. Serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your emotions to your motor skills. Serotonin is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It’s the chemical that helps with sleeping, eating, and digesting. It is responsible for reducing depression, regulating anxiety, healing wounds and maintaining bone health.

No surprises then that the maximum suicides in the world also happen in countries with least sunlight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe is the most suicidal region in the world and the areas that fall under the category are countries that remain overcast. That explains the saying “the sky was murky and overcast”. Weather can have a direct co-relation to our mood and sleeping quality.

Here’s how you can keep yourself motivated and sleeping well during monsoon time-

Avoid oversleeping or sleeping less: Have a routine, ensure you are not a victim of either of the two. Practice yoga or any relaxing activity to ensure you get your normal sleep. Oversleeping or sleeping too less could make you fatigued and lower your immunity. Ensure you continue to sleep well.

Don’t eat a heavy dinner or anything fried during day: Keep your system light as your body becomes slugging during monsoons. Your metabolic rate also slows and hence digestion is comparatively tougher, so it is advisable to sleep on a light stomach.

Change laundry often: In high humidity, there is a fear of allergies and bacteria. Ensure you change your pillow cover and bed sheets often enough. Moist weather makes laundry a breeding ground for bacteria; you may also consider putting anti infectant detergent.

Stay hydrated: Reduced salt levels in the body give joint pains and overall cramps, disrupting sleep. Ensure you compensate for the salts you are losing in the sweating by drinking lots of water and consuming vitamin B and energy drinks.

Exercise: Despite the natural sweating, we do need to work out to shrug off the lethargy in the body. It also helps keep at bay all the infections that come with the season. It also helps us sleep more easily and deeply despite the shortage in sunlight during monsoons.