As the monsoon season kicks in, we're experiencing a stretch of gloomy, humid weather. It's common to notice more people around complaining of headaches, unexplained fatigue, or feeling down. These discomforts are often referred to as 'weather sickness,' a general term for physical and mental symptoms triggered by changes in barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and sunlight.

What Causes Monsoon Ailments?

During the rainy season, the combination of reduced sunlight, high humidity, and low barometric pressure can easily disrupt our body's natural rhythms. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low mood, headaches, and insomnia. Particularly, a lack of sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating our circadian rhythm. Continuous cloudy days mean less exposure to natural light, which can throw off our sleep-wake cycles.

The Impact of Insufficient Sunlight

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), characterized by low mood and lethargy during winter due to decreased sunlight, is closely linked to changes in our body clock. Similarly, monsoon ailments can arise from changes in melatonin and serotonin function due to a lack of sunlight, causing physical and mental discomfort. Experts explain that these symptoms are strongly associated with insufficient sun exposure.

Understanding the Effects of Pressure and Humidity

Changes in barometric pressure are another significant factor in weather sickness. Depending on the individual, a drop or rapid fluctuation in pressure can trigger or worsen migraines. The high humidity during the monsoon season hinders sweat evaporation, making it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature and leading to easy fatigue. Furthermore, damp indoor environments can promote the growth of mold and dust mites, exacerbating allergic conditions like rhinitis and asthma.

Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Weather Sickness

To prevent these monsoon ailments, it's crucial to maintain appropriate indoor temperature and humidity levels and ensure proper ventilation. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 24-26℃ and humidity around 50% as part of their heatwave health guidelines. Consistent daily routines are also very helpful. Try to go to bed and wake up at regular times, even on cloudy days, and make an effort to get enough natural light, perhaps near a window or during brief breaks in the rain.

Additionally, incorporating simple stretching or light aerobic exercises indoors can help boost your mood and relieve stress. Most monsoon-related ailments can be alleviated with lifestyle adjustments. However, if symptoms like headaches, low mood, or insomnia persist for more than two weeks or significantly interfere with your daily life, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice from a healthcare institution.