Does reading, working out, spicy food, and more really make you tired, or is there another explanation to why you feel sleepy? Let’s explore these topics and more.

Why Does Reading Make Me Sleepy?

If you’re the type of person who gets sleepy while reading a book in the evening, you’re not alone.

Neuroscientist Dr. Christian Jarrett explains why this happens:

“Typically when we’re reading, we do it in a comfortable position – sitting or lying down – in a quiet place, and often at the end of the day or after more energetic activities, all of which contributes to a state of relaxation and sleepiness.”

He also explains that focusing on what you’re reading can help distract you from what’s stressing you out.

Can Spicy Food Make You Tired?

Spicy food does affect your sleep — but not in the way you think.

An Australian study tested the effects of spicy food by having people eat Tabasco sauce and mustard before bedtime. The researchers found that the participants experienced less sleep overall and took longer to fall asleep on the nights when they consumed spicy foods.

If you feel tired after eating extremely spicy foods, it could be caused by other factors, such as:

• Overeating
• The aftermath of an adrenaline rush due to the spiciness
• Some people feel tired after eating, spicy or not

But overall, spicy foods aren’t the best choice of foods for better sleep.

Does Cold Weather Make You Tired?

Ever experienced that winter slump? Luisa Bazan, M.D., who’s a sleep medicine specialist, explains this phenomenon:

"We have less exposure to sunlight during the winter months, and that affects our internal clock," she says. Because sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, people who live in climates with reduced sun exposure during the winter may feel an impact on their energy level and mood.

Some people even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which has been shown to cause hypersomnolence and delayed sleep timing.

In short, yes — cold weather can cause daytime sleepiness in some people.

Why Do I Feel Sleepy After a Workout?

Depending on how intensely you work out, you may be left feeling sluggish and tired. Keep in mind that your body needs nutrients to perform well — that’s why it’s important to eat nourishing foods that are high in nutrients.

Feeling tired after a workout could also be a sign of dehydration, so make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.

However, feeling sleepy after a workout could be a sign of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid issues, and more. Don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor if proper nutrition, adequate water intake, and enough good sleep don’t fix this issue.

Why Does the Sun Make You Tired?

If lack of sunshine makes us tired, isn’t the sun supposed to help us not feel tired?

Family and sports medicine expert Dr. Ashwin Rao may have a good explanation:

“A lot of tiredness stems from dehydration and vasodilation,” he states. Your body works hard to keep you cool, and that sleepy feeling can feel worse if you don’t drink enough water.

If you’re out in the sun and heat, stay safe by drinking enough fluids, staying in the shade when possible, and wearing sunscreen.

In some cases, what’s making you tired could be as simple as not sleeping enough! Try the BetterSleep App to implement a relaxing bedtime routine with ambient sounds, meditations, bedtime stories, and so much more.