Stay Cool in The Summer Heat
As summer's scorch engulfs us, rising temps don't merely affect our skin's comfort – they also have a significant impact on our nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating our body functions and maintaining balance. It faces some serious challenges when we are placed in extreme heat. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intriguing relationship between soaring temperatures and their effects on our physical & mental health.
Heat Stress and the Nervous System
1. Impaired Cognitive Function: High temperatures can lead to cognitive impairment due to heat stress. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to heat can hamper attention span, decision-making abilities, and memory retention.
2. Altered Mood and Behavior: Extreme heat can influence mood and behavior. Agitation, irritability, and increased aggression have been linked to elevated temperatures. This phenomenon is believed to stem from heat-induced changes in neurotransmitter activity.
3. Dehydration and Neural Function: Heat accelerates the body's dehydration process, which can adversely affect neural function. Dehydration can lead to reduced blood volume, subsequently lowering blood flow to the brain and hindering its optimal functioning. Our brain relies on sufficient blood flow to carry nutrients and oxygen, decreased circulation can cause cognitive deficits.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a pivotal role in maintaining internal temperature equilibrium. The ANS is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. When temperatures rise, the sympathetic branch stimulates sweat production and dilates blood vessels to enhance heat dissipation. This can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure as the body strives to cool down.
In Houston it’s been a HOT summer, so how can we mitigate the Impact?
Certain breathing exercises can help cool the body down, especially when practiced in combination with other cooling strategies. Breathing exercises can influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls various bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature regulation. By engaging in specific breathing techniques, you can potentially activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with relaxation and a reduction in physiological stress responses.
Some strategies to minimize the impact of heat, consider:
1. Hydrate: Adequate fluid intake is crucial to maintaining proper blood circulation and neural function.
2. Breathing Exercises: Deep Belly Breathing: Focusing on breathing deeply into the diaphragm and expanding the belly can help activate the relaxation response and potentially assist in cooling the body.
3. Cooling Breath (Sitali or Sitkari): Sitali involves inhaling through the mouth over a curled tongue, while Sitkari involves inhaling through the mouth with the teeth gently clenched. Both techniques are said to have a cooling effect on the body and mind.
4. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, seek shelter from direct sunlight to avoid overheating.
5. Clothing: opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothing to promote proper heat dissipation.
6. If Outdoors, Take Breaks: If engaging in outdoor activities, schedule regular breaks to cool down and rest.
As we bask in the summer sun, it's essential to remember that extreme heat doesn't only affect our comfort; it also has a profound impact on our nervous system. By understanding the intricate relationship between rising temperatures and neural function, we can take proactive steps to protect our mental and physical well-being during the sweltering months. Whether it's staying hydrated, seeking shade, or simply being mindful of the signs of heat-related illnesses, a little awareness can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer season.