{"id":894,"date":"2025-05-01T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.troop956.com\/?p=894"},"modified":"2025-05-01T19:36:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T19:36:24","slug":"slower-than-usual-the-warm-weather-is-affecting-your-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.troop956.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/01\/slower-than-usual-the-warm-weather-is-affecting-your-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"Slower than usual? The warm weather is affecting your brain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"Slower\t<\/div>
Our brains could be struggling to cope with the hot weather (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Feeling sluggish? You\u2019re not alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The UK has been basking in high temperatures, with some parts of the country set to reach 29C<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But, as we all flock to beer gardens to enjoy the mini heatwave<\/a>, our brains could be struggling to cope.<\/p>\n

It all comes down to our own body temperature, and how hard the brain works to regulate it.<\/p>\n

\u2018The temperature that the body needs to stay within is an unbelievably narrow window,\u2019 consultant neurologist, Dr Steve Allder, tells Metro<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\u2018If your temperature rises from 37C to 41C there\u2019s a very good chance that it would kill you. Similarly, if it dropped from 37C to 33C, you would really start to struggle.<\/p>\n

\u2018The body really has to work hard to keep our temperature in a tight range, especially in hot weather, and that then takes energy away from the brain.\u2019<\/p>\n

A&E doctor, Dr Mark Cox tells Metro<\/strong>: \u2018When you\u2019re hot, your body is in a constant state of thermoregulation (keeping your temperature stable). <\/p>\n

\u2018This burns energy and diverts blood flow toward the skin to release heat, which means less energy and oxygen get to your brain.\u2019<\/p>\n

So, now we know the science \u2013 what does that mean for how you feel?<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ll notice it in things like memory lapses, poor concentration and slower decision-making,\u2019 Dr Mark says.<\/p>\n

And while we all might find ourselves getting a bit, well, aggy, in hot weather, Dr Mark says that\u2019s to do with your brain too.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tHot weather and antidepressants \t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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Dr Sameer Sanghvi, GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor<\/a>, warns that hot weather can be particularly dangerous for people taking antidepressants.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He explains: \u2018Common antidepressants can all stop the temperature-regulating area of the brain from functioning as it should. Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors(SNRIS) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.\u2019<\/p>\n

If you are prescribed these antidepressants, Dr Sanghvi warns not to suddenly stop taking them. \u2018You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your mental health medication,\u2019 he adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2018The best thing you can do is take precautions to stay cool: stick to the shade; drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2018Heat can amplify reactivity in the brain\u2019s emotion centre, the amygdala, and reduce the calming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system,\u2019 says Dr Mark, co-founder of Orli Health. <\/p>\n

\u2018That makes people more prone to irritability, impulsiveness and even aggression.\u2019<\/p>\n

For those with existing neurological conditions, warm weather can cause these symptoms to worsen.<\/p>\n

Dr Steve, who works at Re: Cognition, says that those with multiple sclerosis, for example, \u2018will have far less resilience\u2019 to cope with temperature changes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He adds: \u2018This is also true for something like migraines. People find that they get more migraines when it gets hot.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tSigns of heat exhaustion \t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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If your body can\u2019t cool itself down, you risk developing heat exhaustion, which could progress to heat stroke if left untreated, a life-threatening condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr Allder says that those doing prolonged exercise in the sun should be careful of developing heat stroke, especially if they\u2019re not taking in enough fluids. He adds: \u2018Make sure to stop if you feel lightheaded or woozy.\u2019<\/p>\n

To protect yourself from the temperature changes, Dr Allder advises avoiding the sun, hydrating and resting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most adults should aim to drink at least six to eight glasses a day (around 1.5-2 litres), but Dr Allder advises getting an extra 500ml to 1 litre per day.<\/p>\n

According to the NHS, the signs of heat exhaustion include:\u00a0<\/p>\n