HOUSTON — For some of us the pitter patter of raindrops is all it takes to lure us to sleep. It turns out it’s not just the soothing sound that does it, though research does show it’s pretty perfect as a sleepy time background noise. That’s because it can cancel out other background noise that keeps you awake.
It is also a non-threatening sound. According to research, the rhythmical and monotone sound does not trigger our fight or flight response, keeping us in a calm and meditative state.
Then there are the clouds that come with rainstorms. When it gets dark outside, our brain’s pineal gland produces something called melatonin. You probably have heard of the hormone because it has become a popular over-the-counter supplement to help people sleep. But it is also naturally produced by your body when there is a lack of sunlight.
Another factor is humidity. According to Health Partners, humidity tires us out. That’s because the water vapor in the air means it is more populated by hydrogen and nitrogen.
Our lungs then have to work harder to get oxygen from the air, tiring us out. All these factors add up to rain being the ideal weather for catching some Z’s.