Neurologist explains how UK heatwave could be making you behave differently without knowing it

Look, it’s pretty flipping hot. There’s no denying that. The forecast today puts part of the UK at hotter temperatures than Ibiza.

We all love that weather brag, don’t we?

But even though the blue skies and sun can give you quite a boost in mood, it could also be making you behave differently without even knowing it.

That’s because the heat can have an influence on how our brains function.

So, yes, you really might be going slower than usual at work, or taking even longer to get through that page of revision.

This is as a neurologist has explained how the current little heatwave across much of the UK could be taking its toll on your cognitive performance such as memory, focus, and decision-making.

It really can make working harder. (Getty Stock)

Heat can impair several areas of cognitive performance, including attention, short-term memory and decision-making,” Dr Steven Allder explains to the PA News Agency.

“When the body overheats, resources are diverted from the brain to regulate core temperature, which can slow processing speed and reduce mental clarity.”

The neurologist said that people may therefore find it ‘harder to concentrate, solve problems, or retain information’.

Plus, if you’re spending a particularly long amount of time in the heat or not staying hydrated enough in the hot weather, you’ll face further impact of ‘neural efficiency’.

These hotter temperatures can even have an impact on your emotional stability as Allder says studies have found elevated heat levels to be associated with ‘increased irritability, frustration and even aggression’.

“This may be due to disrupted sleep, discomfort, or heightened stress responses. The brain’s emotional regulation centres, particularly the amygdala, may become more reactive in extreme heat,” he adds.

Then on top of that, there’s the dreaded sluggishness that just generally seems to make everything feel harder.

That’s as the neurologist says head can significantly contribute to mental fatigue.

The heatwave might be making you struggle to concentrate. (Getty Stock)

“When the body is trying to cool itself, more energy is used for thermoregulation, leaving fewer resources available for cognitive functioning,” explains Allder. “This can result in feelings of tiredness, mental sluggishness and reduced alertness. Tasks that require concentration or decision-making become more difficult and motivation may drop.”

He says it’s pretty common when people don’t stay hydrated enough or have long periods of being in warmth without enough rest or cooling.

So basically, if you’re getting too hot and bothered in this weather at work, and not sipping on enough water, you’re likely to be falling behind and potentially getting rather irritable.

To keep your brain as protected as you can, Allder stresses the important of staying hydrated and limiting how long you spend outdoors during peak heat hours.

“Wearing light clothing and using fans or air conditioning can help maintain a safe body temperature,” he advises.

“Eating light meals, taking regular rest breaks and ensuring good sleep hygiene are also beneficial. Those with neurological conditions should also take extra precautions and may benefit from personalised advice from their healthcare providers.”

Stay cool, lads.

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