What does barometric pressure mean?
Barometric pressure is the weight or force of the air around us. The weight of the atmosphere goes up and down depending on the temperature, your altitude, the air’s density and how much moisture is in the air.
Barometric pressure is measured using a barometer. When the barometer rises, this indicates increasing atmospheric pressure and when the barometer falls, this indicates a decrease in atmospheric pressure. Rising barometric pressure usually brings better weather and as it falls, the weather usually worsens.
Can You Feel Air Pressure Changes?
Barometric pressure not only affects the weather, but it can also affect the human body. When the barometric pressure changes, the partial pressure of oxygen changes, which can lead to headaches, joint pain and multiple other symptoms.
High Barometric Pressure Effects on the Body
When the barometric pressure is high, more pressure is pushed against our body, limiting tissue expansion. This can cause blood pressure to rise and an increased possibility of heart attacks.
Low Barometric Pressure Effects on the Body
What does low barometric pressure mean? Low barometric pressure has a similar effect to when at altitude. It causes the oxygen in our blood to decrease, which can affect health in different ways. In low pressure systems some people may experience:
Why Does Low Barometric Pressure Cause Fatigue?
Low barometric pressure is associated with fatigue for a few reasons. The first is because low atmospheric pressure is often accompanied by low light levels. Less light during the day, causes our body to produce more melatonin, which can cause drowsiness.
Secondly, if you have blood sugar issues, low barometric pressure can cause the thickness of blood to increase, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. This in turn, makes it harder to sleep and in extreme cases can lead to insomnia.
How to Sleep Better During Low Barometric Pressure?
While you can’t change the weather, there are a few simple things you can do to get a better night’s sleep, when the barometric pressure is low.
Get Active During the Day
If you’re feeling drowsy during the day, getting active can help. Go for a walk, to the gym or take a yoga session. Making the most out of the daytime will go a long way to helping you sleep soundly at night.
Spend Time Out in Natural Light
Low barometric pressure is often associated with bad weather and low levels of light. But, even if the sky is overcast, spending time outside in dim natural light helps to keep your circadian rhythm in tune.
Have a Healthy Bedtime Routine
If you love to stay up late and look at bright phone screens, this can often confuse your sleep pattern. Challenge yourself to put the phone and laptop away at least an hour before bed, read a book and relax with curated sounds for sleep from the BetterSleep app.
