You must have noticed how hard it is to control your nerves when exposed to heat: anger comes quickly, mood worsens to the extreme, and irritability may arise for the most trivial reasons.

So what is the scientific basis for these phenomena? And why is heat always associated with irritability?

Studies and experts indicate that heat waves not only affect the body but also impact mood, increasing irritability, aggression, and discomfort, as reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, citing Susan Albers, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Studies have mentioned that rates of aggression, road rage incidents, acts of violence, and even emergency room visits related to psychological problems increase on hot days.

How do high temperatures affect the body?

Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic, said, "High temperatures trigger a series of effects inside the body. When heat rises, the body works hard to maintain its internal temperature within a safe range, typically between 36.1 and 37.2 degrees Celsius."

One of the first responses is vasodilation, which allows a greater amount of blood to flow faster throughout the body. This brings blood closer to the skin surface, helping to expel internal heat. The heart also has to pump more blood to cool the body, increasing heart rate, according to Sawchuk.

Vasodilation also stimulates sweating. Although this physiological process helps cool the body, losing large amounts of fluid can lead to dehydration, which may cause muscle cramps, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mental state.

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Why doesn't everyone react the same way?

Albers explains that people do not respond to heat in the same way, and there is no unified definition of what constitutes "hot weather." However, generally when temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius, the body begins to experience additional stress.

The ability to tolerate heat varies from person to person depending on how their body regulates temperature and the environment they grew up in. People who have lived in hot areas are usually more able to adapt.

Also, the elderly and young children have greater difficulty regulating their body temperature, according to studies.

Some medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, antihistamines, and blood pressure drugs, can make the body's task of cooling itself more difficult.

Albers explained that "people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and those who work or exercise outdoors are more susceptible to the effects of heat."

On the other hand, Kim Meidenbauer, a psychology professor at Washington State University, explained that certain personality traits, such as a tendency toward anxiety and negative emotions, may make the psychological response to heat more intense.

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Why does heat accelerate irritation?

Meidenbauer stated that the feeling of discomfort is the main reason for this. It is hard to be in a good mood when you feel hot and sweaty.

Also, the body's response to heat, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath, closely resembles the response that accompanies stress and irritation. Heat also leads to sleep disturbances, which reduces a person's ability to handle stress.

How can one cope with hot weather?

Meidenbauer emphasizes that advance preparation and awareness are key. She recommends checking weather forecasts and noting how the body responds to heat.

Among the tips experts offer:

Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, which are usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and do errands early in the morning.

Calm the nervous system when feeling uncomfortable by moving to an air-conditioned place, sitting in a dark room for a few minutes, or washing the face with cold water.

Carry a small bag to combat the heat, including a water bottle, a handheld fan, a cooling towel, and sunscreen.

Pay attention to the most vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, and watch for symptoms like dizziness, headache, irritability, and confusion. Move them to a cool place immediately if these appear.

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