Beach Fatigue: Unraveling the Physiological effects of the Sun

We've all been there. After a long day outside- whether it's lying on the beach, having a lounge day at the pool, or just enjoying the fresh air- you find yourself exhausted. You might think to yourself, "Why am I so tired, when I didn't really do...anything?"

Good news- you're not alone. Let's see how increased sun exposure affects our bodies.

UV radiation

First off, going to the beach usually means being exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which hits our skin cells and essentially causes mutations in their DNA. If the UV exposure is too great, the damage could be beyond repair and the cells die off. The body creates an immune response and blood flow is increased to bring immune cells to the skin. This leads to redness (erythema), swelling, inflammation and discomfort, which we commonly associate with sunburns.

thermoregulation

Typically, when the body's core temperature starts to deviate from homeostasis (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius) thermoregulatory mechanisms will kick in. However, when the skin is sunburned, it is less efficient in dissipating heat, potentially leading to a rise in the body's core temperature.

Hydrate. Then hydrate some more.

Higher core body temperature can lead to increased sweating, which can result in fluid loss and dehydration. When dehydration occurs, the overall blood volume decreases- due to the loss of water- and blood becomes "thicker" or more concentrated.

When this happens, you get reduced blood flow to the organs. This leads to strain on the system, as your heart now has to beat faster to get blood to circulate. It's crucial to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating to maintain proper hydration.

Otherwise, you'll have decreased oxygen delivery through your red blood cells- leading to fatigue, weakness. You might experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, and poor concentration. Dehydration can even contribute to electrolyte imbalance, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride (muscle cramps, dizziness).

And that, my friends, is why you're fatigued.

Moral of the story

At the of the day, remember to play it safe and cover up, apply sun protection, cool off, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. In doing so, you can enhance your beach experience, minimize the risk of sunburn and dehydration, and keep yourself comfortable and refreshed under the sun. ☀️

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