We all love going to the beach and enjoy the day under the sun. But, a great day at the beach has its consequences! After every long hour sun exposure, you have probably felt tired. However, there is nothing for you to worry about. There are certain scientific reasons that explain the phenomena of exhaustion and tiredness after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Why Does the Sun Make You Tired?
Here are the most common reasons for this exhaustion:
1. Body Temperature
Sun exposure and electromagnetic radiation will increase your body temperature. The body will try to cool itself down through vaporization of the water on the skin by increasing the heart rates or the metabolic system. All these changes in the body will make us feel tired and sleepy after sun exposure.
If the temperature of your body increases with about 0.5 degrees, the body will react by being tired, grumpy, and sleepy. This is more noticeable among children than adults.
2. Chemistry
Why does the sun make you tired? Chemistry plays an important role.
- First, it is believed that sun exposure suppresses the production of melatonin. However, the production of melatonin increases a couple of hours after you leave the beach, making you feel tired.
- Second, it is well known that sun exposure increases the production of some necessary vitamins for the human body such as vitamin D. This will put certain effort on the metabolism, leading to a loss of energy and tiredness.
3. Extreme Heat
Extreme exposure to the sun can cause heat exhaustion which is characterized by headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, lightheadedness, heavy sweating, postural hypotension, nausea, muscular cramps, weak pulse, etc. In these cases, seek medical help immediately as heat exhaustion is a serious medical condition which requires proper medical care.
Tips to Avoid Sun-Induced Fatigue
Why does the sun make you tired? It has been answered. Here are some tips on how to avoid tiredness and weakness after sun exposure and how to protect yourself from the sun:
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun for a long period of time. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella to the beach or sit under a shade tree.
- Drink a lot of fluids during the day in order to stay hydrated.
- Eat salty snacks to replace the water and salt from excessive sweating.
- Wear protective clothes like a hat to avoid and reduce any risks associated with sun exposure and skin damage.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. Sunglasses that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays will give maximum protection.
- Use sunscreen before any sun exposure. Make sure to reapply the sunscreen a couple of times during the day. This will protect your skin from getting sunburn.
Other Unbelievable Causes of Tiredness
You have known that sun can make you feel tired. If you can't recall any sun exposure during the day, your tiredness may be due to other reasons. Some common ones include:
1. Using Smartphone Before Bed
Scientists have found out that people who use their smartphones before bed, especially after 9 PM feel tired the next day and have troubles sleeping. The blue light of the screen interferes with the melatonin production, and mental engagement will prevent you from relaxing, winding down and sleeping.
2. The Clutter on Your Desk
Any clutter on your desk will increase your stress level, make you feel tired and will have a negative impact on your productivity as well.
3. Evening Nightcap
We all love to enjoy a glass of red wine or a beer before bedtime. However, drinking alcoholic beverages before bed can sometimes disrupt sleep. It is recommended to cut off alcohol about 3 to 4 hours before sleeping.
4. An Inconsistent Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine is very important for you to stay alert and go through the next day. Sleeping at different times and not getting enough sleep will lead to lethargy and exhaustion.
5. Too Much Fat in Your Diet
You know the answer to "Why does the sun make you tired?" but there are other causes. Too much fat is not good for your overall health, including your sleep. It has been estimated that too much fat in your diet will impact your sleeping, making you feel tired and exhausted next day.
6. Lack of Iron
Iron is very important to carry oxygen throughout the human body. In cases when there is a lack of iron, there is not enough oxygen reaching the body cells. This will make you feel tired. Try to consume iron-rich foods and foods which are high in vitamin C, like tofu, beef, dark green vegetables, etc.
7. Skipping Exercise
Regular exercise is very important for your overall health. If you skip exercise because you are tired, you will feel more tired. Regular exercise will pump oxygen and other necessary nutrients throughout the body, increasing energy and making you feel more active and vital.
8. Too Much Exercise
Too much exercise will do you no good. Regardless if the exercise is too long, too frequent, or too intense, it will make you feel tired and sleepy.
9. Your Breathing Habits
Breathing is very important for the health and well-being. Most people who take shallow breaths will not provide the necessary amount of oxygen. Deep and slow breathing a couple of times during the day will help you eliminate the symptoms of tiredness.
10. Poor Posture
One of the reasons of chronic tiredness is having a poor body posture. If the body is out of its balance, it will have to work harder in order to function normally. Other signs of poor body posture include hip pain, back pain, muscle aching, etc.