(Web Desk) - Ever noticed how we tend to lose our temper when the mercury rises? It’s not just your imagination—heat really does make us more irritable.
And this isn't just anecdotal; experts say that there's solid science behind why we get so cranky when it's hot.
Dr Vijayshree Bajaj, psychologist and mental wellbeing coach at MedyMind says, “Extreme heat can indeed make people irritable.
When temperatures rise significantly, our bodies and minds undergo various changes that can lead to increased irritability.”
LACK OF SLEEP
Trying to get a good night’s rest in the heat can be a nightmare. High temperatures can disrupt our sleep cycles, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings.
Lack of sleep is a major irritability trigger. When we’re tired, our ability to cope with stress and manage our emotions takes a hit.
“Lack of sleep is a significant factor in heat-induced irritability. During hot summer nights, people often struggle to get quality sleep due to the discomfort caused by high temperatures.
Sleep deprivation can lead to heightened emotional reactivity, making individuals more prone to irritability and mood swings,” says Dr Bajaj.
HORMONAL CHANGES
This might come as a surprise but heat can also mess with your hormones. High temperatures can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. When cortisol levels spike, we can feel anxious, jittery, and yes, irritable.
Mumbai-based psychologist and psychotherapist Priyanka Kapoor says, “Elevated cortisol, the stress hormone, is one of the hormone changes brought on by extreme heat that can impact mood and heighten feelings of stress and anger.
Heat can also have an impact on the balance of other hormones that are involved in mood regulation, like estrogen and testosterone.”
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
When the temperature soars, our bodies have to work harder to cool down and our heart rate increases too. This extra effort takes a toll on our mental state. Imagine being stuck in traffic on a sweltering day with no air conditioning.
Your patience evaporates along with your sweat, and everything seems more annoying.
“Prolonged heat exposure can cause mental tiredness, which can impair cognitive performance and increase frustration levels by making it harder to concentrate.
Extreme heat can intensify the symptoms of anxiety and depression in people who already have mental health disorders since it can cause tension and discomfort,” says Kapoor.