You probably would have heard people say that they sleep like a baby once the rainy season starts. A number of your friends might even opt to nap when it rains because the smell and the drizzling sounds comfort them. But for some people, the opposite happens. What if the rainy season does not work? There are many reasons why rain may keep you awake. Noise is an apparent one, especially if it patters against the window or there is constant thundering. Other reasons include lethargy, boredom, and temperature.
While many folks claim to sleep better when the raindrops make sounds on their roof, there are others who actually struggle to try and do so. Although these are the common factors that may help people sleep, there are similarly many reasons why the opposite happens as well- when you can’t sleep when it rains.
How does rain affect our sleep quality?
It is no secret that the body needs enough sleep to completely function. The typical adult needs a minimum of seven to nine hours every day to remain healthy. Without proper sleep, you would easily get sleep deprived and may even get sleep disorders in the long run.
Fortunately, there are various aspects of achieving good sleep that are under our control. However, there is one factor we frequently overlook, which is the environment. Sudden changes in precipitation, humidity, or temperature can have a bearing down effect on our quality of sleep.
The rain is the reason here. While there really is not any definitive research that shows the direct relationship between rain and feeling sleepy, some evidence does reveal that dark and cloudy weather can affect our senses that signals us that it is time to sleep off.
What Makes it Difficult to Sleep When it Rains?
According to some sleep studies, there are those that actually sleep better during sunny days. In fact, workers who have overnight shifts tend to become pretty sensitive to sound. After having been in a quiet environment at work, their ears become conversant in silence or soft sounds.
- Noise- a typical fact about rain is that it accompanies wind and thunder. The strong gusts of winds, the growling thunder, or the rattling windows are just some disturbing sounds that will keep one from enjoying a usual and uninterrupted sleep.
- Lethargy- one more reason could be a lack of energy. In areas of the planet where it rains regularly, some people can find themselves feeling lethargic all the time. With outside being wet all the time, it can plant the concept that you simply can’t do anything, including sleep.
- Boredom- after you don’t have anything to try and do, it’s easy to sleep too much, which is exactly not good. You may not get quality sleep when you need it.
- Too cold- Finally, rain is mostly related to a cool temperature. Our body’s ideal temperature is 37 degrees Celsius, so once we start to feel cool, our brain starts to think we are hungry. Food makes us feel warm because it makes our body active, therefore producing heat. Eating too much is not good for sleep.
How to beat the blues
If rainy-day sadness or drowsiness affects your sleep performance, you will have to find a cure. There are several ways to make amends for the results of the dreary weather:
- Expose yourself to the maximum amount of light possible. Natural light is best- whether or not it is overcast with dark clouds, there is still some UV light getting through, so if you can, spend a little bit of time outdoors. Bright indoor lighting comes in at a far-off second but will also do in case outdoors seem like an impossible option.
- Stay active. Get in some time to do your morning workout or take a lunchtime yoga break. At a minimum, try and get on a very brisk walk around the building or on the roof. Physical activity helps stimulate mental alertness and clarity throughout the day and helps you fall asleep better.
- Do something creative. If you are stuck inside, do not surrender to cabin fever. Make art, do a craft, write a poem, build something for your friend, or bake a cake. Whatever your creative forte, making something will help your mind concentrate on an enjoyable activity and stimulate serotonin production. And the serotonin will help you go to sleep.
- Give in to a daytime nap. If the rain is making you sleepy, and there is nothing that absolutely must get done, give yourself permission to enjoy the luxury of a small nap. A nap will also keep you active and healthy, and will let you catch up on your daily required slumber hours.
- Declutter your bedroom. This not only helps to freshen up your mood but also to keep away molds and bacteria’s. Remember, before monsoons, declutter your bedroom and dry out and freshen up your mattress, comforter, and pillows completely. It is very important as monsoons can make anything really damp and make a place for mold and bacteria to grow and prosper. Use clean bed sheets as often as you can, and completely dry ones as well.
- Change your bedding. Livpure offers you a variety of mattresses that are good for all seasons, and especially rainy ones. Why? Well, Livpure mattresses are made from antiallergenic material which keeps your mattress hygienic. Also, what is better than curling up in a comfy and soft mattress during the winters with your favorite sitcom! Memory foam mattress- Ortho X, from Livpure Sleep, is as luxurious as the hotel room mattresses and supports your body perfectly too. All the mattresses, including the memory foam mattress, come with a mattress cover that protects your bed from spillage and dust particles. Pair this with Livpure’s All-weather comforter and you are all set!
The bottom line
After everything, remember that being emotionally prepared for the ongoing rainy days is just as important as having an umbrella with yourself, and you will be much more equipped when it comes to fighting off rainy day sleeplessness. Consult a doctor or sleep expert if you cannot solve it by yourself, as sleep is very necessary to combat diseases, any season of the year!