Rain may be affecting you in more ways than you realise.
In 2008 researchers were able to link periods of low rainfall to the downfall of three ancient China dynasties by analysing a cave. In the published paper, they proposed that low rainfall stirred social upheaval which overwhelmed the Tang, Yuan and Ming dynasties. This is linked to reduced rice cultivation.
There’s also more research to show the positive effect rain has on social wellness, which we will look at later in the article.
Here are five ways the rain may be disrupting you.
Unrest in young ones
Rain may affect children so badly that they exhibit their worst behaviour. In 1997, a study concluded that the behaviour of children can predict oncoming rain. The participating children were observed to be volatile when the barometric pressure fell. So the next time children sing “rain, rain go away” join them.
Irritability
One theory suggests that when rain is about to fall, the positive ions in the atmosphere increase irritability and blood pressure.
Low mood
According to a 2012 study, women are largely affected psychologically by rain. The female participants reported low levels of satisfaction with their lives on rainy days compared to men.
Hunger pains
Rain blocks out the sun which leads to a decrease in the hormone serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate appetite, promote nutrient storage and insulin secretion. When it decreases, you feel more hungry than normal and your cravings for carbohydrates increase.
Sleepiness
Sleepiness can be an inconvenience when you have work and things to do. Unfortunately, rain makes that situation worse. When the grey sky blocks out the sun in the morning, your body keeps producing melatonin, the sleep hormone, because the sunlight hasn’t signaled waking time.
Rain has a relaxing and calming effect that supports rest and sleep. But did you know that it also contributes to social wellness according to research?
In 2009 a New York Times investigation found that on rainy days homicide rates in New York drop significantly.
“People tend to not want to go out and commit crime in bad weather unless [they’re] desperate. Also for opportunistic crimes against individuals, there are fewer people out,” said Keri Nixon, a psychologist with experience dealing with violent criminals.
