Why Does Crying Make You So Tired? The Science Behind Tears

We've all been there, guys. You're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain sad, and sometimes, the only thing that helps is a good, long cry. It's like a pressure release valve for your emotions. But then, after the storm of tears subsides, you're left feeling…completely wiped out. Exhausted. Like you've just run a marathon, but all you did was sob on the couch. So, what's the deal? Why does crying make you so tired? Let's dive into the science behind tears and explore why this emotional release can leave you feeling drained but also refreshed in the long run.

The Science of Crying: More Than Just Waterworks

When we talk about crying, we're not just talking about the physical act of tears streaming down your face. It's a complex physiological and psychological process involving various hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain regions. To really understand why you feel so exhausted after a good cry, we need to break down what's happening in your body.

The Three Types of Tears

First things first, did you know there are actually three different types of tears? It's true! Each type serves a different purpose:

1. Basal Tears: These are the tears that keep your eyes lubricated and protect them from dust and debris. They're constantly being produced in small amounts.
2. Reflex Tears: These tears are triggered by irritants like onions, smoke, or even a stray eyelash. They're your eyes' way of flushing out the problem.
3. Emotional Tears: Ah, these are the ones we're interested in! Emotional tears are produced in response to strong feelings like sadness, joy, anger, or stress. They contain different chemical compositions than the other types of tears, including stress hormones like cortisol and the pain reliever leucine-enkephalin.

It's the release of these hormones in emotional tears that starts to explain why crying can be so tiring. Think of it this way: your body is undergoing a significant chemical shift when you're having a good cry. It's not just water coming out of your eyes; it's a complex biological event.

The Hormonal Rollercoaster

When you experience a strong emotion, your brain sends signals to various parts of your body, including your endocrine system. This system is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. During an emotional episode that leads to crying, your body releases a cocktail of hormones, including:

• Cortisol: This is the primary stress hormone. It's released in response to perceived threats or challenges, and it helps your body mobilize energy to deal with the situation. While cortisol is essential for short-term stress responses, prolonged exposure can lead to fatigue and exhaustion.
• Adrenaline: Also known as epinephrine, adrenaline is another stress hormone that gives you a burst of energy. It increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, preparing you for “fight or flight.”
• Prolactin: This hormone is associated with milk production in women, but it's also released during emotional stress in both men and women. It's thought to play a role in emotional regulation and may contribute to the feeling of calmness after crying.
• Leucine-enkephalin: This is a natural pain reliever and mood elevator. It's one of the reasons why crying can sometimes feel cathartic and relieving.

This hormonal surge can feel like a rollercoaster for your body. The initial release of cortisol and adrenaline can leave you feeling anxious and agitated, while the subsequent release of prolactin and leucine-enkephalin can lead to a sense of calm and relief. This hormonal dance requires a lot of energy, which is one reason why you might feel so tired afterward.

The Nervous System Connection

Your nervous system also plays a crucial role in the crying process. When you're crying, your autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion, is activated. This system has two main branches:

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System: This is the “fight or flight” system. It's activated during times of stress and danger, and it prepares your body to take action. It increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, and it diverts blood flow away from digestion and towards your muscles.
2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System: This is the “rest and digest” system. It's activated when you're feeling relaxed and safe, and it helps your body conserve energy. It slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, and stimulates digestion.

During a good cry, both branches of your autonomic nervous system are activated. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in initially, preparing you for action. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and physical tension. Then, as the crying subsides, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, helping you calm down and relax. This shift from high alert to relaxation can be exhausting for your body.

The Emotional Labor of Crying

Beyond the physical and hormonal changes, there's also the emotional labor involved in crying. Crying is often a response to intense emotions like sadness, grief, anger, or frustration. These emotions themselves can be draining, and processing them while crying can take a toll on your mental and emotional energy.

Think of it like this: you're not just shedding tears; you're also shedding emotional baggage. You're confronting difficult feelings, processing painful experiences, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. This is hard work! It requires a lot of mental and emotional resources, which can leave you feeling depleted and tired.

The Benefits of Crying: Why Tears Can Be a Good Thing

Okay, so crying can make you feel exhausted. But before you start stifling those sobs, it's important to remember that crying also has some significant benefits. It's not just a sign of weakness or vulnerability; it's a natural and healthy way to process emotions and cope with stress.

Emotional Release and Relief

One of the primary benefits of crying is emotional release. As we discussed earlier, emotional tears contain stress hormones and other chemicals that build up in your body during times of emotional distress. Crying helps to release these substances, which can lead to a feeling of relief and catharsis. It's like flushing out the emotional toxins.

Stress Reduction

Crying can also help to reduce stress. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline. Crying can help to lower the levels of these hormones, which can have a calming effect on your mind and body. It's like hitting the reset button on your stress response.

Pain Relief

The leucine-enkephalin released during crying acts as a natural pain reliever. This is why crying can sometimes help to ease physical pain or discomfort, as well as emotional pain. It's like your body's own built-in pain management system.

Social Connection and Support

Crying can also be a way to signal to others that you're in need of support. When you cry in front of someone you trust, it can create a sense of connection and intimacy. It allows you to be vulnerable and authentic, which can strengthen your relationships. People are often more likely to offer help and support when they see someone crying.

Emotional Processing and Growth

Finally, crying can be an important part of emotional processing and growth. It allows you to fully experience your emotions, rather than suppressing them or pushing them aside. This can help you to understand yourself better, develop coping mechanisms, and ultimately become more resilient.

Tips for Recovering After a Good Cry

So, you've had a good cry, and you're feeling exhausted but also maybe a little bit better. What now? Here are some tips for recovering after a good cry and maximizing the benefits:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Crying can dehydrate you, so it's important to replenish your fluids. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, or other hydrating beverages. This will help to restore your energy levels and prevent headaches.

Rest and Relax

Your body has just been through an emotional workout, so give it time to recover. Take a nap, lie down and listen to calming music, or just relax in a comfortable chair. Avoid scheduling any demanding activities for a few hours after crying.

Nourish Your Body

Eating a healthy meal or snack can help to replenish your energy stores. Choose foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, as these can worsen fatigue.

Engage in Self-Care

Do something that makes you feel good. Take a warm bath, read a book, watch a movie, or spend time with loved ones. Engaging in self-care activities can help to boost your mood and reduce stress.

Talk It Out

If you're comfortable doing so, talk to someone you trust about what you're feeling. Sharing your emotions can help you to process them more effectively and feel less alone. A friend, family member, therapist, or counselor can provide support and guidance.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you to calm your mind and body. These practices can also help you to become more aware of your emotions and manage them in a healthy way.

Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, be kind to yourself. Crying is a natural and normal human response to emotional distress. Don't beat yourself up for crying or feel ashamed of your emotions. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel, and know that it's okay to not be okay sometimes.

The Bottom Line

So, why does crying make you so tired? It's a combination of factors, including the release of stress hormones, the activation of your nervous system, and the emotional labor involved in processing difficult feelings. But remember, crying also has significant benefits, such as emotional release, stress reduction, and pain relief. It's a healthy way to cope with difficult emotions and connect with others.

If you find yourself feeling exhausted after a good cry, don't worry. It's perfectly normal. Just take some time to rest, hydrate, and nourish your body and mind. And remember, it's okay to cry. It's a sign that you're human, and it's a way to take care of yourself. So, next time you feel the urge to cry, let it out. You might just feel a whole lot better afterward, even if you're a little tired.