Does anyone else, like me, feel an urge to sleep when it rains?

Of course you do, and you're definitely not alone. This desire to curl up on a rainy day, sinking into a soft pillow and deep sleep, is almost a shared human code. But for Black women—a group often expected to be incredibly strong, ever-powerful, and always connected—this desire may have a deeper, soulful resonance.

Why is the sound of rain a lullaby for the soul?

First, science is on our side. When rain begins to tap against the windows and the air is filled with that unique, damp, earthy fragrance (scientists call it "damp earth oil"), a series of soothing processes begins:

Natural white noise: The steady, monotonous hum of rain effectively drowns out the harsh, intrusive noises of everyday life—traffic on the street, the incessant TV chatter, even the chatter in the office. It creates a safe haven for our senses, allowing our overactive minds to rest.

Dim light: Dark clouds obscure the sun's glare, creating a soft, dusk-like gloom. This triggers the pineal gland in our brains to produce more melatonin—the hormone that induces sleep. It's like nature's way of telling us, "The day is over, it's time to rest."

Perhaps the most important point is this: a permitted pause. On rainy days, the world seems to truly slow down. Outdoor activities are canceled, commutes become a nightmare, and society seems to have tacitly accepted us staying home. The sense of urgency to "go out and fight" temporarily disappears.

A Deeper Rest: When "Strength" is Unsheathed

However, dear sisters, for us Black women, this permitted pause has a healing power beyond the physical. As we navigate this world day after day, we often need to wear an invisible armor. We are expected to be strong, resilient, the pillars of our families and the backbone of our communities. We are labeled "strong Black women," a label that, while rooted in our strength, can sometimes become a shackle that prevents us from showing vulnerability.

In a sense, rainy days gently remove this armor from us. It's like finally returning home after a long day and shedding that meticulously curated look—perhaps the glueless wigs that made you look impeccable, but also required considerable effort. It's beautiful and convenient, but the moment you remove it, letting your scalp breathe, is an irreplaceable sense of relief.

Amidst the sound of rain, the world sees our tears and hears our sighs. It provides the perfect excuse to turn off our phones, cancel our plans, and say, "Not today," to a world that demands our constant online presence. It's a retreat that requires no explanation, a moment of healing granted by the weather.

In those moments, we're not "slacking off," we're engaging in a sacred rest. We're replenishing the well from which we're constantly drawing. We're reconnecting in our dreams to our most primal selves, the ones who have nothing to prove to anyone.

Embrace this gift.

So, when the next rainy day arrives, your eyelids feel heavy, and all you want is to tuck in, sleep. Don't feel a twinge of guilt. Don't fight this natural call.

Listen to the rhythm of the raindrops, let it become the drumbeat of your soul. Let the dimness of your room become your own personal sanctuary. It's even better if you know you won't have to wake up early the next morning to create an elaborate hairstyle—perhaps even better if you pre-stylistically create a half wig. This ensures you can effortlessly look your best the next day while preserving your precious morning sleep.

Light a candle with a warm woodsy or vanilla scent, brew a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea, and slip into your coziest flannel pajamas or a soft, old T-shirt. Relax, both your hair and your soul.

Take rainy days as a gentle reminder from the universe: You don't have to shine forever. You are allowed to dim, to rest, to exist simply for yourself.

We carry so much sunshine—bringing warmth, guidance, and energy to the lives of others. But the land needs the nourishment of rain to thrive. So do our souls.

So, yes, sister, we are all the same. When the rain falls, let us all let go of our burdens, let go of our "strength," and drift off to sleep. In our dreams, we can rebuild, recover, and remember that our most fundamental strength comes not from perpetual resilience but from the wisdom to listen to our body and soul and give them the rest they need.

Rest well. You deserve it.