Feeling sluggish after sudden shifts in the weather? Follow these tips for dealing with weather whiplash 

Do you find that your mood is often influenced by the weather? If you feel groggy or sluggish after a period of cold, wet weather – followed by high temperatures and sun, for example – you could be experiencing ‘weather whiplash.’ 

What is weather whiplash?

‘Weather whiplash’ is a phenomenon which refers to extreme and sudden shifts in weather patterns, often characterised by rapid changes from one weather extreme to another within a short period. For instance, a region may experience a sudden shift from unseasonably warm temperatures to freezing cold or vice versa.

This is thought to occur due to various factors such as climate change, atmospheric instability, or natural weather variability. These abrupt changes can be disruptive to the body’s natural rhythms and can have significant implications for sleep patterns and overall health.

With weather whiplash events predicted to become more common due to global warming, it’s important to understand how they can affect our wellbeing, and what we can do to mitigate its effects. 

The impact of weather whiplash 

Weather whiplash can play real havoc with our sleep, which can have a knock-on effect on our overall health. “Rapid changes in temperature and humidity levels can make it difficult for the body to adjust and regulate its internal temperature during sleep,” says Panda London sleep expert, Edward Gorst. “This discomfort can lead to frequent awakenings throughout the night and overall poorer sleep quality”. 

Fluctuating weather conditions may also impact our circadian rhythms – our internal biological clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. “When these rhythms are disrupted, it can result in difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling refreshed,” says Edward.  

Extreme weather events can also bring accompanying noise disruptions (like storms or strong winds) that can disturb sleep patterns, causing awakenings and preventing deep sleep stages.

How does weather whiplash affect our wellbeing?

Drops in weather, particularly sudden changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure, can make us feel sluggish due to their impact on our body’s physiological processes. These changes can affect circulation, metabolism, and hormone levels, which are closely linked to our energy levels and overall alertness. For example, cold weather can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to muscles and organs, making us feel lethargic.

Similarly, changes in atmospheric pressure can influence the amount of oxygen available in the air, affecting our respiratory efficiency and subsequently, our energy levels.

How to deal with weather whiplash 

To mitigate the effects of weather whiplash on sleep and overall wellbeing, Edward shares some top tips: 

1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

2. Create a comfortable sleep environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to minimise disruptions from external weather-related noises.

3. Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation before bedtime. These techniques can help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep, despite external weather fluctuations.

4. Monitor bedroom temperature: Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature for sleeping. Use fans or air conditioning during hot weather and consider using extra blankets or a space heater during cold spells to maintain a consistent and comfortable sleep environment.

5. Stay informed and plan ahead: Pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare accordingly. Dress appropriately for changing weather conditions during the day to minimise the impact on your body’s ability to thermoregulate at night. 

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help minimise the impact of weather whiplash on your sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Consistency, preparation, and creating a comfortable sleep environment are key to navigating through unpredictable weather patterns without sacrificing your restorative sleep.

Edward Gorst is a sleep coach who focuses on supporting those suffering from insomnia. Learn more at pandalondon.com