Prolonged hot weather in the summer not only causes a feeling of stuffiness and discomfort but also makes many people fall into a state of fatigue, lethargy and loss of strength. Intense sunlight can affect the body in many different ways, from dehydration, electrolyte disorders to affecting sleep and spirit.
One of the most common causes of body fatigue in sunny weather is dehydration. When the ambient temperature rises, the body has to sweat a lot to cool down. This process causes the amount of water in the body to decrease rapidly. If you do not supplement enough water, blood volume will decrease, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, leading to feelings of exhaustion and lack of energy.
In addition to dehydration, the body also has to consume a lot of energy to maintain a stable temperature. When the weather is too hot, the body will increase sweating and dilate blood vessels under the skin to radiate heat. These reactions cause the body to work more than usual, easily causing feelings of fatigue and dizziness.
Too long exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can also cause negative effects. UV rays have the ability to damage skin cells and trigger inflammatory reactions in the body. When the immune system has to work to repair damage, the body will consume more energy, making many people feel sluggish after a long time outdoors in the sun.
In addition, sweating a lot not only causes dehydration but also causes the body to lose important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. These are minerals necessary for the activity of muscles and the nervous system. When electrolyte imbalance is lost, the body may experience cramps, muscle weakness, dizziness and whole-body fatigue.
Sunburn is also a cause of physical exhaustion. Skin damaged by sunlight often causes pain, discomfort and forces the body to use more energy to restore skin cells. This makes many people feel exhausted after going to the sun for a long time.
In addition, outdoor activities such as playing sports, walking or swimming in hot weather also make the body lose strength faster. The combination of physical activity and high temperature increases the risk of dehydration and heat overload.
Hot weather can also affect sleep quality. Hot weather makes it difficult for many people to sleep deeply and wake up easily at night. Prolonged lack of sleep will make the body more tired the next day.
To limit heat exhaustion, people should drink enough water, supplement with mineral-rich foods, limit going out in hot sunny weather and rest in cool places. Wearing light clothes, using sunscreen and getting enough sleep also helps the body adapt better to summer weather.