I'm a pharmacist - here's why the change in weather is ruining your sleep

AS a Brit, you get used to packing an umbrella everywhere you go, especially if it's 'meant to be nice out'.

This Jubilee weekend has been a scorcher, basking Brits as we celebrate our monarch.

But stormy weather is now expected today and tomorrow as the four day weekend bonanza ends.

One expert has now warned that this shift in weather could actually be having an impact on your health.

Parvinder Sagoo, pharmacist and health adviser for Simply Meds Online said the constant change in temperature could cause headaches and sleep disruption.

The guru explained that dramatic weather changes leave us feeling lethargic, irritated, hot and headachy and this can in turn leave for a disrupted and uncomfortable sleep.

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"You may think that experiencing lethargy should mean that we sleep better as we are more tired, but actually it has the opposite effect, and often if we feel lethargic during the day we may find that our sleep at night is affected.

"This is also because if a person is taking more time to relax or taking naps during the day because of the weather, this will also affect their sleep as they won't feel tired or feel they need to rest," he said.

Parvinder said that this can also be described as 'weather whiplash'.

This term bunches together the physical and mental symptoms people suffer when the weather changes quickly and drastically.

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He said that high levels of humidity brought on from rainy weather makes the temperature feel warmer than it actually is.

"Not only this, we also experience 'weather headaches' which are medically known as barometric pressure headaches," he said.

People who suffer with headaches regularly may find that when the weather changes they increase or become more severe, Parvinder added.

He said that gloomy, grey skies, high humidity and temperatures which rise suddenly as well as reoccurring storms can often bring on head pain and pressure.

"This is because the pressure changes that causes this gloomy weather can trigger both chemical and electrical changes in the brain which then aggravates the nerves and leads to headaches.

"These types of headache are known as a barometric pressure headache and occur after there is a drop in barometric pressure.

"They are similar to a normal headache or migraine however you may experience other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting as well as increased sensitivity to light.

"You may also feel generally lethargic, tired and unmotivated which is likely to further promote headaches, a foggy mind and dull head and ear pain," he said.

EASE UP

Of course, we cannot change the weather, but there are things we can do to ease our symptoms caused by it, Parvinder said.

"I would advise drinking plenty of water throughout the day when the weather starts to change to keep hydration levels up, taking frequent breaks from your phone or computer screen to prevent eye strain and further sensitivity."

He added that improved posture is important and if you’re working at a desk try to sit up straight and take regular breaks to walk around.

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