Why Does Rain Make You Sleepy?

05/03/2023

By Wendy Barry, Grade 6

Melatonin is a hormone that is located in your brain. When it becomes dark, it is produced. When there is a bright light, the melatonin does not work as well, which makes you less sleepy. Because it's dark when it rains, the melatonin increases and you become more tired.

Another thing is the sound of rain. Rain falling onto a roof is considered a pink noise in nature and is good for sleeping. Pink noise is, as a matter of fact, different from white noise. Use this link to learn about the differences of them: https://www.soundofsleep.com/white-pink-brown-noise-whats-difference/

Another very simple factor is just that there's nothing to do. Rain stops people from doing things like playing outside, or picking up the groceries. When there's less to do, you get bored. When you're bored, you feel like falling asleep. It's science, people!

When it rains, there is also a lot of humidity in the air. This makes it harder for the body to maintain homeostasis. This makes the body tired and want more rest.

Actually, people feel different moods for lots of different weather conditions. When it's sunny outside, lots of serotonin is released. Serotonin is the hormone in your brain that is kind of like the opposite of melatonin. When it's rainy or wintertime, it's normally darker so you're more sleepy. Some people have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is caused by less sunlight and higher pressure in the air.

Sources

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.sleephealthgroup.com.au/post

https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/Why-Does-Rain-Make-You-Sleepy