Why Does Tampa Bay Sun Exposure Make Us So Tired

After a day getting Tampa Bay sun exposure, you might find that you are completely exhausted.

We spent about five hours out in the sand and sun yesterday, and today I just want to nap all day. I’m so exhausted. I grew up in this area and I remember being a kid, running around the sun all day, and I feel like back then it just energized me. It didn’t feel like it drained me as much.

So what has changed? Well, I’m older for starters. Children are generally more energetic than adults. Is the sun hotter with more powerful UV rays than it had in past decades? Most likely.

Here are some more scientific reasons as to why you might find that a day spent at the beach in the sun around Tampa Bay, or anywhere in a sunny warm climate for that matter, can make you feel like you’ve been flattened by a train.

First of all, your body wants to keep you right at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A day spent in the sun will heat you up and your body has to do more work, expand more energy and calories regulating your temperature. You might not like sweating, but when you do that’s your body’s way of pumping blood to the skin to cool you down, which burns calories. It’s almost like the fatigue that comes after a hard work out.

Secondly, you may be dehydrated and that could cause your feelings of fatigue. If you normally drink eight glasses of water a day, you’ll need to drink more than that after a day in the hot sun. If you don’t drink enough water, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body to keep you cool, which can make you feel very worn out.

Enjoy the sunny day and all the hot summer weather we are about to head into, but make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.

After taking votes from readers, USA Today put together a list of 10 locations in the south they call 'must-visit' beaches. Five of them are in Florida. Which of them did they call #1?

In the southern region of the U.S., which was considered Virginia to Texas, 5 of the beaches that made the top 10 were from Florida. That in itself shouldn't be surprising.

Why does Florida do so well in these polls? There are 825 miles of sandy beaches. They're divided among three sections: Florida Panhandle, the Southwest Florida Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. That may have something to do with it.

Here are the Florida beaches that landed on the USA Today 10Best "Best Beach in the South".

Located a mile east of downtown St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is popular for windsurfing and kayaking, along with hiking its nature trails.

Another Atlantic beach, Stuart Beach is located on a barrier island east of Stuart Florida, north of Palm Beach, south of Port St. Lucie. Located near the Elliott Museum and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, it's a perfect place for a family to visit. There are beach volleyball courts, snacks at the Seaside Cafe and picnic areas to relax for the day.

Florida's Venice Beach features a sail pavilion as this Gulf Coast beach's familiar landmark. Not far from the Venice Public Fishing Pier, there are plenty of chances to see dolphins and various shorebirds. Marine turtles also nest around May and October. Parking is free, and there are lifeguards, concessions, shelters, volleyball courts and picnic areas.

An Atlantic beach, located at the relaxing town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, this beach a short drive from the busy city of Ft. Lauderdale. Surrounded by a number of cafes, this is a great escape from the active cities nearby. This is also a popular area for beach diving. There's a coral reef system 100 yards from the beach, perfect for snorkling or scuba diving.

In our own backyard, Clearwater Beach is no stranger to the accolades given to the white, sandy beach we see every day. More than just a beach, Clearwater Beach has something for everyone to experience. Surrounded by hotels, restaurants and shops, Clearwater Beach has become one of the world's most famous destinations for fun in the sun. Pier 60 is the centerpiece. The beach is lined with its familiar cabanas and umbrellas. Add in the many things-to-do, including sightseeing by boat, visiting world-famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or join the crowd for 'Sunsets at Pier 60' each evening.