Why Do We Feel So Sleepy in Summer?

Summer drowsiness may be caused by hot weather depleting body fluids and energy, excessive humidity, improper lifestyle habits, and prolonged stay in air-conditioned rooms. Here are four reasons:

Summer weather is often hot and damp, which can easily deplete body fluids and energy. The heat of summer, known as "shu" in traditional Chinese medicine, is a "yang" evil that can damage the body's fluids. This damage can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating. Heatstroke can last for a long time and is easily overlooked. To improve this condition, it is advisable to take herbal remedies such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills or Bifendan.

Summer is a season of frequent rain and high humidity, which can lead to accumulation of dampness in the body. The widespread use of air conditioning can further exacerbate this problem, as the alternating cold and hot temperatures can make the dampness heavier and more stagnant. Symptoms of excessive dampness include chest tightness, dizziness, and limb fatigue. Eating dampness-clearing foods such as coix seed, lotus seed, and red beans can help alleviate summer drowsiness caused by dampness.

Many people experience drowsiness due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In summer, the long and hot days can lead to late bedtimes and unhealthy eating habits such as eating late-night snacks, which can damage the spleen and stomach. If you feel particularly drowsy after meals, it may be a warning sign from your spleen. It is recommended that these individuals adjust their schedules, maintain regular lifestyles, ensure adequate sleep, and consume foods that can strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, such as Chinese yam, poria cocos, and coix seed.

Spending extended periods of time in air-conditioned rooms can also contribute to summer drowsiness. Air-conditioned rooms often have closed windows and poor ventilation, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels. Over time, this can cause the brain to become oxygen-deficient, resulting in drowsiness. Therefore, it is advisable for people who spend long hours in air-conditioned rooms to take breaks and go outside for fresh air.