Why do I always feel sleepy in summer?

Generally, excessive sleepiness during summer may be caused by longer days and shorter nights, high temperatures, heatstroke, hypotension, anemia, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatments or medication may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Longer Days and Shorter Nights

In summer, the extended daylight hours may affect the body's circadian rhythm, leading to difficulties falling asleep at night or waking up early, thereby reducing total sleep time and causing daytime fatigue and drowsiness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory decline, and mood swings. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure adequate sleep as much as possible.

2. High Temperatures

With rising summer temperatures, the body directs more blood flow to the skin surface to dissipate heat, resulting in relatively reduced blood supply to the brain, which can cause fatigue. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as excessive sweating, thirst, and mild dizziness. It is recommended to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, appropriately use air conditioning or fans for cooling, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

3. Heatstroke

In high-temperature summer environments, prolonged exposure to heat or inadequate heat dissipation may lead to heatstroke. During heatstroke, dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center or exhaustion of sweat glands causes heat accumulation in the body, elevated body temperature, and subsequent symptoms such as drowsiness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is recommended to use medications such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, Suhe Xiang Pills, and Shidi Shui under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

4. Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Increased sweating in summer, without timely replenishment of water and electrolytes, may lead to reduced blood volume and decreased blood pressure, affecting cerebral blood supply and causing fatigue. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, temporary vision darkening upon standing, and weak pulse. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as Midodrine Tablets, Flunarizine Hydrochloride Capsules, and Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Anemia

In summer, the body's demand for iron increases. Insufficient dietary iron intake or poor absorption may lead to reduced hemoglobin synthesis, impairing oxygen transport and causing tissue hypoxia throughout the body, manifesting as fatigue and drowsiness. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as pallor, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It is recommended to use medications such as Ferrous Sulfate Sustained-Release Tablets, Ferrous Fumarate Tablets, and Ammonium Ferric Citrate Vitamin B1 Syrup II under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

It is also recommended to engage in physical activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as morning or evening, including walking, jogging, etc., which can help promote blood circulation, enhance metabolic levels, and alleviate fatigue.