Summer is here, and with the longer daylight hours and hot weather, many people start feeling lazy and tired. They may experience a lack of appetite, weight loss, and overall fatigue, which is known as "summer fatigue" or "summer drowsiness" in traditional Chinese medicine. So, what can be done to overcome this summer drowsiness?
Reasons for feeling sleepy in summer
1. The high temperature in summer leads to excessive sweating and loss of potassium. This disrupts the electrolyte balance in the body. Additionally, the intense heat causes blood vessels to expand and reduces blood flow to the brain, resulting in a constant feeling of fatigue and drowsiness.
2. The hot and humid climate in summer easily damages the spleen, causing spleen deficiency. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when the spleen and stomach are weak, excessive sleepiness is a common symptom.
Summer drowsiness can be troublesome, so what measures can be taken to get rid of it?
Ensure sufficient sleep
Due to the longer days in summer, people may feel restless at night and have difficulty sleeping. Moreover, there are often social gatherings in the evening during summer, which can lead to insufficient sleep and daytime fatigue. Older adults and children can take a 2-hour nap to replenish energy, while adults can take a short rest to rejuvenate their spirits.
Drink mint tea
Drinking mint tea is one of the best ways to refresh oneself in summer. Experts say that mint tea has a cool and refreshing taste, and its unique aroma can help invigorate the mind. In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is commonly used to expel wind, dissipate heat, and detoxify the body.
Massage the head
Massaging the Fengchi acupoint can help refresh the mind and relieve eye fatigue, especially for those who spend long hours working on computers.
Fengchi acupoint: Located below the occipital bone in the neck, level with the midpoint of the posterior hairline. Keep the body upright and place both thumbs on each side of the Fengchi acupoint. Tilt the head back and rotate the thumbs in a circular motion to massage the acupoint for 1 minute. You should feel a noticeable soreness and swelling. Repeat this process 5 times.
Use scented sachets for stimulation
Lavender and lemon scents have nourishing, stress-relieving, and fatigue-eliminating effects. The scent of lemon can also alleviate headaches. People who easily feel drowsy in summer can make or purchase lavender or lemon scented sachets. When feeling low in spirits, smelling them can help invigorate the mind.
Take cool showers
Taking showers with water at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, once or twice a day during noon and evening, can stimulate the skin's sensory receptors, enhance nerve function, improve muscle tension, and eliminate fatigue. The water temperature should be adjusted based on personal tolerance.
Dietary considerations
During summer, it is advisable to consume foods rich in vitamins B1 and C, as well as minerals. Vegetables, lean meat, mung bean sprouts, barley, red beans, watermelon, etc., are all good choices. It is important to replenish the salt and water lost through sweating, so drinking soup between meals is recommended. In summer, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption. Drinking tea can help invigorate the mind, while alcohol consumption depletes the body's sugar and vitamin B1, leading to increased fatigue.
