It is time to dig up that bottle of sunscreen of the depths of the cabinet of its bathroom, since the United Kingdom's sun spell is ready to stay this week.
Monday was the most popular day of the year so far, with 24.5 ° C registered in ST James's Park, London, and meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey told the PA news agency that temperatures would push around 25 ° C in southeast and London on Tuesday, with maximum 27 ° C on Wednesday.
With increasing temperatures, we are curious about how heat could influence our brain function. Then, we contacted Dr. Steven Allder, a Revión Health consultant neurologist to explore how the warmest climate can affect everything, from memory and concentration to emotional stability.
What are the known effects of heat on cognitive performance, such as memory, focus and decision making?
“Heat can affect several areas of cognitive performance, including attention, short -term memory and decision making,” says Allder. “When the body overheats, resources deviate from the brain to regulate the central temperature, which can delay processing speed and reduce mental clarity.
“People can find more difficult to concentrate, solve problems or retain information. This is especially notable during the exposure or prolonged dehydration of heat, which further affects neuronal efficiency.”
Can the hottest temperatures affect emotional instability?
“There is increasing evidence that links warmer temperatures with emotional instability,” says Allder. “High heat levels have been associated with greater irritability, frustration and even aggression.
“This may be due to an interrupted dream, discomfort or stress responses.
Can heat contribute to mental fatigue?
Heat can contribute significantly to mental fatigue.
“When the body is trying to cool, more energy is used for thermoregulation, leaving less resources available for cognitive functioning,” explains Allder. “This can cause feelings of tiredness, mental slowness and reduced alert. Tasks that require concentration or decision -making become more difficult and motivation can decrease.
“Mental fatigue during exposure to heat is particularly common when hydration is inadequate or when individuals are exposed to prolonged heat periods without proper rest or cooling.”
Does the warm climate have any positive impact on our brain?
The warm climate can have positive effects on the brain, particularly through greater exposure to sunlight.
“Sunlight stimulates serotonin production, which helps improve mood, sleep and general emotional balance,” says Allder. “The highest levels of vitamin D, often resulting from sun exposure, are also related to a better cognitive function and mental health.
“People tend to be more active and socially committed during the warm climate, which benefits the health of the brain. However, these advantages are more evident when temperatures remain comfortable and not excessively hot.”
Are people with neurological condition more vulnerable to heat -related changes?
People with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (EM), epilepsy and migraines are more susceptible to heat -related symptoms.
“In EM, even small temperature increases can worsen fatigue and nerve driving,” says Allder. “For those with epilepsy, heat and dehydration can reduce seizures thresholds. Migraines can be activated or intensified by high temperatures and changes in atmospheric pressure.
“These people need to take special care in the warm climate, since their conditions make it difficult for the nervous system to tolerate thermal stress.”
What long -term neurological effects could be associated with chronic exposure to high temperatures?
“Prolonged heat stress can contribute to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction, all which can negatively affect the brain,” says Allder. “Over time, this could increase the risk of cognitive impairment, bad sleep and potentially neurodegenerative diseases.
“Repeated dehydration episodes can also affect the structure and function of the brain.”
Is there any adaptive mechanism that the brain uses over time to deal with frequent heat exposure?
“The brain and body can gradually adapt to exposure to frequent heat through a process known as heat acclimatization,” explains Allder. “Over time, the body becomes more efficient to regulate the temperature by improving the sweat response, blood flow and cardiovascular efficiency.
“While these changes help protect the brain from overheating, they may not completely avoid cognitive or emotional tension.
“The degree of adaptation varies between individuals and depends on factors such as age, physical condition and underlying health conditions.”
Is there anything we can do to protect the health of the brain in warm weather?
“Staying well hydrated is essential, since even mild dehydration can affect cognitive function,” says Allder. “Limiting the outdoor time during heat peak, wearing light clothes and using fans or air conditioning can help maintain a safe body temperature.
“Eating light meals, taking regular breaks and guaranteeing good sleep hygiene are also beneficial. Those with neurological conditions should also take additional precautions and can benefit from personalized advice from their medical care providers.”
