High temperatures affect not only the body but also mood. During warmer days, there is an increase in cases of aggressive behaviour, road rage and violence, warns clinical psychologist Susan Albers from the Cleveland Clinic. Research also records more emergency department visits for mental health problems during periods of intense heat.
The reason is partly physiological: the brain expends additional energy to maintain body temperature, leaving less capacity for calmness, concentration and emotional control. Constant physical discomfort further exacerbates irritability, and mild dehydration affects the parts of the brain responsible for attention, decision-making and emotions.
The World Health Organization recommends drinking at least two to three litres of water daily, roughly one glass per hour. Cold drinks, a cold towel and ice packs applied to areas where blood vessels are closer to the skin — the neck, wrists and ankles — also help. When experiencing surges of irritability or anxiety, it is advised to change one's environment.
A particular problem is tropical nights, when temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees, preventing the body from recovering. Those more susceptible include people with anxiety, depression and other psychological issues, as well as those taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, stimulants, antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.
