It’s not your imagination—some people really do get more tired during the summer months. Yawning in agreement? Keep reading for possible culprits.
Blasting the AC
If your office blasts the air conditioning all summer, bring a cozy sweater to wear at your desk. Known as air-con fatigue, your body works hard to produce heat when you’re cold, consuming energy and leaving you feel tired. Save the AC for the nighttime—experts say a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for restful sleep. Too warm (above 75 degrees) and you may find yourself restless during the night…and drowsy the following day.
Not drinking enough water
When temperatures rise, our sweat glands kick in to produce more sweat as a way to maintain a normal body temperature. Make sure you’re making up for it during hot summer months, especially if you regularly exercise outdoors—being even a little dehydrated can lead to fatigue, trouble concentrating, and moodiness, the Institute of Environmental Medicine found. They recommend about 91 ounces of water each day for women, and 125 ounces for men.
Overindulging in summer fruits
A fruit salad may seem like a refreshing option for an afternoon nosh, but the blood sugar spike from all the fructose can cause a serious post-snack energy crash. Watch your consumption of fruits high on the glycemic index—like watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, banana, and cherries.
Spending too much time at the pool
It’s not just chlorine-fried hair that becomes an issue in the summer—chlorine can also affect the sinuses and lungs, resulting in tiredness. And if you’re swimming laps, the extra resistance and strain on the muscles will wear you out too.
An inconsistent schedule
Whether having the kids home from school is throwing off your schedule or you’re sleeping in on your summer Fridays off from work, an erratic sleep schedule can do a number on your energy levels during the day, leaving you feeling foggy—even if you’re sleeping a normal number of hours. Resist the snooze button on weekends, and aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.