With the help of our free monthly Lifestyle Edit newsletter, you can stay on top of fashion trends and more.
With the help of our free monthly Lifestyle Edit newsletter, you can stay on top of fashion trends and more.
Are you feeling more worn out and tired than normal because of the extreme heat? When the sun finally comes out, there may be a brief period of excitement, but as the temperature starts to rise, we may find ourselves physically exhausted and thinking whether we should start implementing daily siestas as the Mediterraneans do.
Why then do we feel so exhausted in the summer? So we contacted a physician to clarify.
In the heat, our bodies have to exert more energy.
“Our bodies have to work harder to cool themselves when it’s hot outside,” says Dr. Zulqarnain Shah, a general practitioner at SSP Health’s Colne Road Surgery and medical director at SSP Health.
“Increasing blood circulation close to the skin’s surface and encouraging perspiration production are two aspects of the body’s natural cooling process. These physiological alterations may result in weariness and a lethargic feeling. It’s critical to understand that this weariness is a usual, transient reaction to heat.
Lack of water
Feeling fatigued and low on energy are other common symptoms of dehydration.
Dehydration is a result of hot weather increasing the rate of fluid loss through perspiration. Dr. Shah continues, “Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue and make you feel even more lethargic.
“It’s crucial to maintain proper hydration by consuming lots of liquids, particularly water, to prevent this. Try to stay hydrated even if you don’t feel thirsty because thirst isn’t usually a reliable sign of dehydration.
Heat fatigue.
Heat exhaustion, which is characterized by symptoms including profuse perspiration, weakness, lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, and cramping in the muscles, can be brought on by extended exposure to heat. If you see any of these warning indicators, you should immediately move to a cooler area, stay hydrated, and get some rest. Seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms intensify or continue, advises Shah.
It is critical to pay attention to warning signals since heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately. Shah emphasizes that “immediate medical intervention is necessary for heat stroke patients as it is a severe and potentially fatal condition.” It happens when the body’s ability to regulate its temperature falters, causing the core temperature to grow dangerously high.
A high body temperature (over 39.4C), changed mental status, disorientation, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness are possible symptoms. The moment you suspect heat stroke, contact emergency services.
Being sleep deprived
An additional cause of the exhaustion may be inadequate sleep, which can be exacerbated by the heat.
Warm weather can cause sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality. The body must cool down in order to go to sleep, and too much heat might make it challenging to achieve the ideal temperature for sleep, according to Shah. “Use fans or air conditioning, wear light, breathable clothing, keep your bedroom well-ventilated, and use lighter bedding to improve sleep in hot weather.”
Conditions that already existed could worsen
Fatigue is a common symptom of many long-term or chronic medical disorders, and it can get worse during heat waves.
“Persons with certain chronic health disorders may experience increased weariness and worsening of symptoms during hot weather. Shah points out that certain medical conditions, such renal illness, heart disease, and respiratory disorders, can be more susceptible to heat.
It’s critical to understand your unique medical condition and speak with your doctor for tailored guidance on how to manage your symptoms in the summer. They might advise you to take your prescription differently, stay in colder climates, or pay more attention to how much fluid you consume.
