An unexpected reason for sleep problems in summer has been named

In summer, sleep quality can deteriorate not only due to heat but also because of habits that many people consider harmless. These include drinking water at night and exercising in the evening. This was discussed in a conversation with Yahoo by therapist and sleep specialist Christopher J. Allen (Wayne University).

According to the doctor, one of the causes of nighttime awakenings can be consuming large amounts of water in the second half of the day. If the majority of fluids are consumed in the evening, a person has to get up more frequently during the night to use the bathroom, which disrupts sleep.

Allen also identified intense workouts shortly before bedtime as another risk factor. Such physical exertion raises body temperature, heart rate, as well as levels of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline speeds up reaction time, increases heart rate and blood pressure, and mobilizes energy. Cortisol helps break down glycogen and fats to provide the body with energy during exercise — this combined effect makes it difficult for the body to transition into a state of rest.

"In addition, during summer, sleep patterns are affected by the increased length of daylight hours. Early sunrises and late sunsets can shift the time of falling asleep and disrupt circadian rhythms," the expert warned.

To improve sleep quality, the sleep specialist advised against drinking large amounts of fluids and avoiding intense workouts two to three hours before bedtime, replacing them with calmer types of activity such as yoga or Pilates. The doctor also recommended waking up at approximately the same time every day to maintain a stable circadian rhythm.