There is some truth to the old belief that achy joints are a sign that bad weather is on the way. Research shows a relationship between pain levels and changes in weather, particularly for people who suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis(关节炎).
A2019 UK study analyzed the daily pain logs of 13, 000 residents with arthritis. Using GPS data from participants' smartphones, the researchers found connections between pain and humidity(湿度), air pressure and wind speed. Participants were more likely to experience pains on stormy, windy days and least likely to do so when conditions were dry and calm.
It's unclear why changes in weather may influence pain severity for some people and not for others. "Everyone experiences pain differently, "says Sin Bevan, chief science officer at Arthritis Society Canada." There are a lot of factors that could impact pain tolerance, including sleep, stress and depression. "
"It's a good idea to track your symptoms and how certain weather conditions may affect your pain levels, "says Bevan." From there you can manage expectations for what can be done on days when symptoms are worse. "
Not surprisingly, there's evidence that the weather may also impact your mood. There are multiple reasons for this connection, according to Dr Max Pemberton, a UK-based psychiatrist. "Less sunlight affects your levels of melatonin, a hormone(激素)directly involved in mood regulation. "
Besides, bad weather may contribute to social isolation and loneliness because we can't go outside and do things we enjoy with friends and family, explains Pemberton.
Once you understand how the weather impacts you physically or mentally, there are strategies you can try. For example, if you're sensitive to cold and damp weather, a hot bath could provide relief for achy joints. Regular exercise—even if it has to be indoors—is also known to improve mood and is an important part of pain control.
