Hot Headed: The Alarming Ways Extreme Heat Affects You Brain
A young girl refreshes herself by pouring water from a bottle, which was recently taken out of a cooler, onto her head. She is situated in a Bedouin village near Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip during a heat wave. The high temperatures experienced during the summer months can have a notable impact on behavior for people of all ages. This is due to the fact that the brain operates optimally within a narrow temperature range. When the brain becomes overheated, various physiological and neurological changes can occur, affecting cognitive function, consciousness, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, these changes often manifest as memory loss, decreased focus, and behavioral issues such as irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
Increased brain temperature can result from internal factors like fever or external factors like hot weather. Whichever the case may be, elevated brain temperature tends to lead to negative behaviors. A study conducted by the Yale School of Medicine, featured in the Journal of Neural Engineering, discovered that even small increases in brain temperature during stimulation can profoundly alter brain activity. Furthermore, a 2021 study revealed that cognitive performance changes could be observed as temperatures rise above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to neuroscientist and mental health expert Dr. Caroline Leaf, short periods of exposure to high heat, such as sitting in a sauna, can be beneficial and enhance resilience and focus. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can be problematic. Changes in brain chemistry caused by the heat can lead to neurons firing too quickly or slowing down, and sometimes ceasing activity altogether, which can significantly affect a person’s thinking, memory recall, emotions, and sleep. This, in turn, can result in increased fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, displaying aggression, irritability, and energy depletion in both the brain and body, exacerbating overall discomfort.
So, what occurs in the brain when it becomes overheated? Several interconnected processes seem to take place simultaneously:
1. Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Overheating disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. An imbalance in neurotransmitters can impact mood, cognition, and behavior, leading to symptoms like confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Electrolyte Imbalance: The body loses electrolytes through sweating when overheated. Electrolytes are crucial for proper nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. An imbalance in electrolytes can result in muscle cramps, weakness, and, in severe cases, even seizures.
3. Impaired Cognitive Function: High temperatures can impair cognitive function and decision-making. Studies have shown that tasks requiring attention, memory, and reasoning can be negatively affected when the brain is overheated, leading to decreased performance.
4. Risk of Heat Stroke: Prolonged overheating can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature reaches dangerous levels, causing confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and potentially even coma. If not promptly treated, heat stroke can cause permanent brain damage.
5. Reduced Blood Oxygen Levels: Overheating can cause shallow and rapid breathing, which can lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood. Reduced oxygen levels impair brain function and contribute to feelings of confusion and disorientation.
6. Inflammation: Elevated body temperature triggers an inflammatory response, including inflammation in the brain. Brain inflammation may contribute to neurological disorders and impact cognitive function.
7. Increased Blood Flow: Initially, when the brain overheats, there is an increase in blood flow to cool it down and maintain a normal temperature. However, excessive blood flow can lead to swelling and increased pressure in the skull, potentially causing headaches, dizziness, and even fainting.
8. Impact on Blood-Brain Barrier: Overheating and inflammation can compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that regulates the passage of substances between the bloodstream and the brain. This compromise can potentially allow harmful substances to enter the brain and cause damage.
If you begin to feel the effects of hot weather, it is crucial to take immediate steps to cool down and prevent overheating. Here are a few ways to help lower brain and body temperature:
1. Stay Well Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain balance in the body and brain. Sucking on ice when feeling too warm can also help with hydration and provide a quick cooling effect.
2. Stay In (or Seek) Cooler Environments: If possible, stay home and keep the environment cool. When that’s not possible, try to spend as much time as possible in cool areas. Evening and nighttime temperatures tend to be cooler. Optimal environments include spaces with fans or air conditioning.
3. Take a Cold Shower or Ice Bath: Spending even just one to three minutes in cool water can help reduce body temperature.
4. Keep Children Well-Fed and Engaged: Children require extra attention to prevent overheating. In addition to the above recommendations, ensure that kids are receiving proper nutrition every day. Feeding both their bodies and minds helps them cope with the stressors of heat. Indoor games and reading are great ways to keep them engaged and cool.
