Hot weather causes anxiety and irritability
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Umut Mert Aksoy made statements about the effects of hot weather on mental health.
Discussing the effects of hot weather on human psychology, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “In these summer days, when heat waves suffocate cities and day and night blend together, we are witnessing an increasing fragility of human psychology. Rising temperatures pave the way not only for physical ailments but also for fluctuations that threaten mental integrity. Increasingly frequent outbursts of anger, intolerance, restlessness, inattention, forgetfulness, and unreasonable anxiety should be considered not merely individual weaknesses but also the psychological manifestations of environmental pressure.”
"PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED"Prof. Dr. Aksoy, addressing the physiological effects of hot weather, said, “The human body goes into a physiological state of alarm as a survival reflex against increased temperature. Blood vessels dilate, heart rate increases, and sweating increases. However, this physiological effort also affects brain function. In hot weather, cortisol and adrenaline release increases, disrupting sleep patterns and making it harder to enter deep sleep throughout the night. Sleep deprivation not only causes fatigue or low energy levels, but also directly impacts attention, memory, and mood. Sleep disruption and insomnia can lead to irritability, difficulty making decisions, and emotional swings.”
Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that during the summer months, performance loss, an increase in workplace accidents, and strain on social relationships are observed, particularly in professions requiring attention. He continued, "On the other hand, there have been increased hospitalization rates for individuals with chronic psychiatric illnesses, symptom exacerbations in psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, and an increase in the frequency of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. These findings are clearly evident not only in scientific publications but also in hospital ward occupancy rates and emergency room visits."
"SLEEPING PATTERNS MAY BE DISTURBED"Professor Dr. Aksoy emphasized that extreme heat can negatively impact sleep patterns, saying, “In hot weather, the body can't cool sufficiently throughout the night, so it takes longer to fall asleep, sleep stages are disrupted, and restful, deep sleep is reduced. This manifests itself the next day with irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and forgetfulness. Therefore, it's important to reduce screen use in the evening, take refreshing showers, and keep the sleeping environment as cool as possible by ventilating. Sleep hygiene practices are even more important during hot periods. Simple yet effective steps to reduce the temperature in the sleeping room include closing curtains, using a fan, or cooling down with sheets made of natural fabrics.”
Prof. Dr. Aksoy noted that nutrition and fluid intake are another important factor in determining psychological resilience, saying, “During the summer months, water consumption directly impacts not only physical health but also mental balance. Dehydration can result not only in fatigue but also in decision-making difficulties, distraction, and even confusion. Therefore, daily fluid intake should be increased to 2.5-3 liters, and urine color should be monitored to maintain a light yellow color. Excessively fatty and spicy foods should be avoided during this period, as they increase the body's heat production. Light, easily digestible foods with high water content should be preferred, and salt balance should be considered, especially for those working outdoors. Frequent consumption of alcohol and high-caffeine beverages during this period can increase anxiety and restlessness, becoming a risk factor.”
"ATTENTION SHOULD ALSO BE PAID TO CLOTHING"Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that clothing preferences are one of the environmental factors that affect mental well-being, saying, "To regulate body temperature, light-colored, sweat-wicking, and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen should be preferred. Synthetic and dark-colored clothing both increases body temperature and causes sensory discomfort due to sweating. It has been observed that such external discomforts can translate into internal tension, especially in individuals with psychiatric sensitivities."
Prof. Dr. states what individuals who want to get psychological support during the summer should pay attention to. Aksoy shared the following information: “Seeking psychological support continues to be a topic that is often postponed in society during the summer months. However, summer, combined with loneliness, social isolation, disruption of daily routine, and physical illnesses, creates psychological vulnerability for many individuals. The need for psychological support should be activated not only in times of crisis but also during such seasonal risk periods. In addition to hospital outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, mobile counseling services, and university-affiliated psychological counseling units should be included in the support network. Early intervention programs should be implemented, especially for the elderly, those living alone, those with chronic mental illnesses, and those in deprivation conditions. Considering that psychiatric visits increase during hot periods, but the same rate of treatment is not sought, awareness efforts in this area become even more important. It should not be forgotten that an individual's psychological integrity is shaped not only by internal dynamics but also by environmental conditions. High temperatures are an invisible stimulus that pushes an individual's psychological threshold. And every challenge, if left unmet, can pave the way for a collapse. Therefore, summer is not only a holiday; it is also a time to maintain psychological balance.” must be seen.”
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