It’s so hot outside right now you might feel as if your brain is literally melting away.
Well, it’s not just a feeling or speculation. Science has proven that the heat really does affect our mental capabilities.
Dr Laurence Wainwright, an expert in environmental health from the University of Oxford, told Daily Mail, “Heatwaves have a significant impact on mental health. Key areas of the brain – especially those responsible for cognitive tasks – are impaired by heat stress.”
Why exactly is our brain impacted by the heat?
Dr. Eileen Neumann, a neuroscientist from the University of Zurich explains that “the core body temperature is regulated strictly by the hypothalamus in the center of the brain. If it detects a rise in skin temperature, it sends signals to other systems in the body to take action to keep core temperature stable.
“This includes triggering feelings of thirst and directing blood flow towards the skin surface, to stop the organs from overheating. 'These processes use up a lot of energy, nutrients and blood flow – reserving far less for complex brain functions, such as memory and concentration.”
Dr. Neumann also added that “the brain is also particularly sensitive to dehydration – even the slightest lack of fluid can affect the quality of signals sent between brain cells.”
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