Enjoying the sea, the sun and the outdoor does not always result in a sense of well-being. On the contrary, many people experience intense fatigue after spending the day on the beach.
This phenomenon has a scientific explanation. According to the specialist in internal medicine Craig Crandallthis tiredness can be attributed to several physiological factors related to the heat, hydration and physical activity.
According to Crandall in an interview with, the human body needs keep your internal temperature stable to work properly.
By exposing itself for hours to heat, especially in the middle of the summer, the active body Self -regulation mechanisms.
One of them is the increased blood flow to the surface of the skin, which requires OCPrayer to pump more strongly. This additional effort can cause a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute to increase until 110 beats in more heat conditions.
This constant internal activityalthough imperceptible, implies higher oxygen consumption and a accumulated energy wear. Therefore, while it seems barely moving, the body works intensely to stay fresh.
“If we did not appropriate our temperature, we would be lizards“Says Crandall.
This situation adds to continuous loss of water through sweat. Light dehydration can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentration.
The problem It is aggravated if enough water is ingested or if you choose to consume alcoholic beverages, which act as diuretics and favor greater fluid elimination.
Contrary to what is thought, a day well spent on the beach also implies greater physical activity than the usual. Walking on sand, swimming or playing with children represents a significant effort.
Crandall explains that this level of exercise, even if it is moderate, contributes to the accumulated physical tiredness.
A direct sun exposure, even without burnsalso causes effects on the nervous system. Recent studies indicate that The sun can induce mental fatigue and affect cognitive capacity. Solar radiation is believed to activate chemical reactions on the skin that could influence the state of mind and energy.
One published in 2022 in Current Biology revealed that extreme heat can activate sleep -related brain circuits. Although not demonstrated in humans, this result supports the hypothesis that feeling sleepy after a day of beach It could be an ancestral biological response.
To mitigate exhaustionCrandall recommends that we keep well hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and make frequent pauses to the shadow.
However, it admits that there are times when it is preferable not to resist tiredness. “The best you can do is Sleep a good nap“Suggests the expert.
