Why are you exhausted after a day in the sun?

**Amber Minogue** (0:05)
Why are we so tired after a day in the sun?
Thanks for asking.
You'd think a day spent lounging on the beach should be the ultimate recharge. No deadlines, no emails, just rest and relaxation. And yet, by the time you head home, you're wiped out, not just relaxed, completely drained. It's supposed to be restful, so why does it feel like you've just run a marathon in flip-flops? So what's actually behind this sun-induced fatigue? It's not just the sun, it's the heat, the humidity and the work your body puts in to stay cool. Even when you're lying still, your internal systems are hustling to keep your core temperature around 37 degrees Celsius. The hotter it gets, the harder your body has to work. It's a bit like doing cardio without moving. You're burning energy just to stay balanced. But how does your body manage that? Mostly through sweating, which cools you down via evaporation. But that takes effort. And if you're even slightly dehydrated, the process becomes less efficient. Add in disrupted sleep from hot nights, and the fatigue really starts to stack up.
At what point does the heat become too much? Experts say our bodies are most comfortable when it's between 17 and 23 degrees outside. Go beyond that, and your body has to kick into overdrive to adapt. With summer temperatures rising year after year, it's no surprise we're feeling more and more drained. So should we avoid the sun altogether? Not at all. The sun has plenty of benefits, especially when it comes to vitamin D, which actually helps you sleep better. The trick is to be smart about your exposure. Try to avoid peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm.
Stay hydrated, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and don't forget that a tan isn't just a glow, it's your skin's defence mechanism kicking in. In other words, it's your body's reaction to stress, so it's not harmless. And above all, drink water. Lots of it. It's the most effective way to support your body's cooling system. Skip the coffee or alcohol while you're sunbathing, as they'll only dehydrate you further. And why do some people seem to handle the sun better than others?
Part of it comes down to overall health. People who stay active and eat well tend to handle heat more efficiently. So even when your goal is to just lie in the sun, it turns out you kind of need to train for that too. There you have it.
Now you know why you're so tired after a day in the sun. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.