Why Does Rain Make You Sleepy? And How to Overcome Sleepiness?

We give you several reasons why rain can make you sleepy and some hacks to help you out if this happens during the day.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
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Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: August 19, 2023
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People have different concerns when it is raining; some are worried their movement is restricted, while some think of the delay the rain is causing at the moment. However, what most people agree on is that they always feel sleepy each time it is raining. This can be a problem for working professionals who need to stay alert on the job. They struggle with sleep and constantly nod off during the downpour. So, why does rain make you sleepy?

Even the beating drops on the roof form a soothing rhythm that adds to the sleepy atmosphere. There are reasons why this happens, and it is no coincidence. We will look further into this in this article, and you can learn how to stay alert without drifting off to sleep.

Does Rain Really Help You Fall Asleep Quicker?

The rain makes people fall asleep, and the reason for this is the lack of ultraviolet rays. Like plants and other living organisms, humans need sunlight as it contains both UVA and UVB rays. These elements cause an increase in serotonin levels in the body, and this hormone is responsible for the feeling of happiness. If you notice you feel a bit down during downpour, it is because of the decrease in the production of serotonin.

Why Does Rain Make You Sleepy? And How to Overcome Sleepiness?

Also, the absence of ultraviolet rays causes the pineal gland to produce melatonin Trusted Source Melatonin - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org and hormone which regulates circadian rhythms. This is the hormone responsible for the tired feeling you get when it rains. When there is an increase in melatonin, keeping your eyes open during a downpour can be quite challenging.

For some people, drowsiness makes it seem like perfect sleep weather, but according to science, you don’t really get a sound sleep during rainy weather. It is easier sleeping in nice weather than during a downpour because of the changes in barometric pressure.

However, you can sleep better and faster when you have a sleeping aid around. According to most reviews, the most stylish and compact sound machine must be the Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine, which blends in any room thanks to its geometric design. It offers the best rhythmic sounds.

Possible Reasons Why Rain Can Make You Sleepy

It can be difficult resisting the urge to sleep when it rains, and luckily science has an answer for this. Here are some of the reasons why rainy weather seems like nap time for everyone.

  • Presence of Increased Negative Ions

Negative ions Trusted Source Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes There’s something in the air that just may boost your mood — get a whiff of negative ions. www.webmd.com in the air are one of the major reasons why people sleep. The increase in these ions is caused by a reaction between lightning, rain, and air. Negative ions have a calming and hypnosis effect on people. It is one of the reasons why people sleep easily during the rain.

  • Rain Drop Sounds

The sound of rain falling on your rooftop gives a ticking sound that can cause you to drift off quickly. The rhythmic sound is like a lullaby, and according to research, these sounds penetrate the human brain, making you feel relaxed. The raindrop sounds produce alpha waves in the brain, similar to how the brain is when we fall asleep.

  • Reduced Oxygen Levels

One of the reasons for drowsiness when it rains is the decrease in oxygen in the air. The brain is stimulated by oxygen, and that is why we stay alert. When there is water vapor in the air, it reduces the oxygen content and makes you feel sleepy.

  • Increased Melatonin Production

Like we mentioned earlier, the increased presence of melatonin in the brain causes drowsiness. This hormone is only present when sunlight is absent or when the cloud blocks the sun during a downpour.

  • Restriction of Movement

Another obvious reason why people will easily succumb to sleep is being stuck indoors. When it rains, you are prevented from engaging in any outdoor activity. You can’t go out to the gym or take a walk outside. When it rains, people tend to sleep much longer and find it difficult to get out of bed.

What to Do If Rain Makes You Sleepy During the Day?

If you have work to do and need to get things done, it becomes necessary to stay awake. For some, there is nothing caffeine can’t fix, and it gets you back on track. Based on reviews from previous users, the healthiest energy solution must be the Elite Caffeine, which comes fortified with L-Theanine to stay alert. It is one of the most effective energy pills out there.

There are other healthy ways to stay awake during a downpour. Here are some of the things you can do during the day if the rain makes you sleepy:

  • Take a Quick Nap

Sleeping it off is one way to deal with drowsiness. If you are at work and can’t afford to sleep it off, you can close your eyes for about 10 minutes to get over the sleepiness. If you are sure you won’t fall into a deep sleep, you can learn how to sleep without an alarm system.

Why Does Rain Make You Sleepy? And How to Overcome Sleepiness?

  • Avoid Sitting Down

The best way to stay alert is to move around and keep yourself busy. A simple 10minutes walk can go a long way in helping you stay energized. You can take brief walks indoors, and it will keep you awake for up to two hours.

  • Talk to Someone

If you are at work, you can have a conversation with a colleague or a friend. At home, you can engage your family in a conversation or play with your pet. There are many things you can talk about to distract you from the sleepy feeling. A simple five-minute conversation, whether in person or over the phone, is enough to keep you active.

You can have a chat over a cup of hot brew to stay alert throughout the conversation. Most users commend the Organic Sencha Loose Leaf Tea for been an amazing brew and a reliable option.

  • Turn on the Lights

You can still get rid of the melatonin production in the absence of sunlight when you have plenty of lights around. Since this hormone thrives in the absence of light or where there is dim light, turning on the lights is a quick solution. Studies have shown that bright light keeps people alert and reduces the feeling of tiredness.

  • Work Out Indoors

Even though the rain prevents you from stepping out or going to the gym, you can do little exercise indoors to keep yourself alert. A good 20 to 30 minutes of exercise is enough to stimulate your senses and keep you energized.

Final Thoughts

We do hope this article answers your question as to why rain makes you sleepy. If you have enough time to get a good nap, you should take advantage of the rain to sleep well. However, the rain doesn’t give people a comfortable and sound nap. If you want uninterrupted sleep, you can take advantage of sleeping aids that improve the quality of your sleep. According to most reviews, the most accurate sleep tracker is the EMFIT QS Under-mattress sleep tracker, which comes with quality compressed sensors that calculate sleep patterns. It is the most reliable option out there.

References

1.
Melatonin - Wikipedia
2.
Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes
There’s something in the air that just may boost your mood — get a whiff of negative ions.
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