Skip to main content

Why do some people feel sleepy when the room temperature is low?


Original Article 
CMS-Wellness Uptodate  

Have you ever find yourself sleepy or drowsy in a cold room, especially during a meeting or presentation? You are not alone. Many people experience the same thing, and it can be frustrating when you want to focus and stay alert. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why some people feel sleepy in a cold room and what can be done to prevent it.

The Circadian Rhythm and Temperature:

The body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, is influenced by changes in temperature. As the body prepares for sleep, its core temperature naturally decreases, and a drop in room temperature can mimic this natural drop and make you feel sleepy. This is why it is recommended to keep the bedroom temperature slightly cooler for better sleep quality.Melatonin Production in Response to Temperature:

Being in a cold environment may also cause your body to produce more melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Melatonin is released in response to changes in light exposure, and a cold room may be perceived by the body as being darker, which can increase melatonin production and contribute to sleepiness. Melatonin levels rise at night, indicating to the body that it is time to sleep.Genetics and Temperature:

Furthermore, genetics can also play a role in how our bodies respond to temperature. For example, in hamsters, cold temperature is the major factor inducing melatonin production, while increased temperature has a limited influence on melatonin production. Polymorphisms in genes that encode melatonin synthesis enzymes have been linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, including delayed sleep phase disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, bipolar-affective disorder, and schizophrenia.Climate and Mood:

Climate can also affect our mood. Humidity, temperature, and hours of sunshine have been found to have the greatest effect on mood. High levels of humidity can lower concentration scores while increasing reports of sleepiness. Rising temperatures can lower anxiety and skepticism mood scores.

A study in the Journal of Finance found that sunshine is strongly correlated with stock returns, while rain and snow are unrelated to returns. Even though these findings may be difficult to reconcile with rational price setting, it is interesting to note the impact of weather on our mood and behavior.Personal Factors:

It is important to note that everyone is different and what may make one person feel sleepy may not have the same effect on another person. Personal factors such as age, gender, health, and lifestyle can also influence how an individual responds to temperature. Some people may have a higher tolerance for cold environments, while others may be more sensitive to temperature changes. It is crucial to maintain a comfortable sleep environment that is conducive to sleep, which may include keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, feeling sleepy in a cold room is a common experience for many people, and it is caused by a combination of factors such as the circadian rhythm, melatonin production, genetics, and climate. While some people may have a higher tolerance for cold environments, it is essential to maintain a comfortable sleep environment that is conducive to sleep. It is also interesting to note the impact of weather on our mood and behavior and how it can affect our daily activities. By understanding the reasons behind feeling sleepy in a cold room, we can take steps to prevent it and stay alert and focused throughout the day.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Light Therapy holds promise as a treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

A new article, conducted by Lili Zang and colleagues from Weifang Medical University School of Nursing in Shandong Province, China, discusses a meta-analysis of 15 high-quality trials that investigated the impact of light therapy on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The meta-analysis included 598 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and it covered 15 randomized controlled trials conducted in seven different countries. Those trials were published between 2005 and 2022. Sleep Improvement Light therapy led to significant improvements in several sleep measures. It notably enhanced sleep efficiency, increased interdaily stability, and reduced intradaily variability, all of which are indicators of better sleep quality. Light therapy was associated with a reduction in agitation, depression, and caregiver burden among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. A significant advantage over usual care was shown in reducing the severity of psychobehavioral symptoms, as assessed...

Los no fumadores engordan menos

Un nuevo estudio relaciona el tabaquismo con la ganancia de peso, y concluye que las personas fumadoras activas, no sólo las que lo dejan, engordan más que las no fumadoras. Después de cuatro años de análisis en la Universidad de Navarra, las personas que menos engordaron fueron las que nunca habían fumado.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus may help in periodontal disease

A new study explores how a specific probiotic, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), might help improve the regeneration of bones in the gums affected by periodontal disease, especially in the presence of high cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia).  Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of bone in the jaw, making it challenging for the bone to regenerate. The researchers used a rat model with conditions mimicking periodontal disease, high cholesterol, and a defect in the gums. The rats were given LGG for six weeks, and then various measurements were taken after sacrificing the rats to understand the effects. They found that the bone density, volume, and thickness in the affected area increased after the rats were given LGG.  Interestingly, these improvements were not due to direct effects on the oral bacteria but were linked to changes in the gut microbiota.  When fecal matter containing the altered gut bacteria from LGG-treated rats was transplanted into other rats, si...