Warm, sunny weather can be enjoyable, but when temperatures rise significantly, the heat can affect more than just our physical health. Hot weather can disrupt sleep, leave us feeling exhausted and irritable, and for some people, increase feelings of stress or anxiety. It can also worsen certain mental health conditions or side-effects of medications used to treat them.
Concerns about extreme weather and climate change can also have an emotional impact. Understanding these effects — and knowing how to look after yourself — can help protect your mental wellbeing during periods of hot weather.
Heat and sleep
Trying to sleep in a hot bedroom can be difficult. Our bodies naturally cool down as we prepare for sleep, so high temperatures can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep comfortably.
Poor sleep can affect how we feel the following day. You might notice that you are:
If hot weather is disrupting your sleep, try keeping your bedroom as cool as possible. Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day, ventilating your room when the outside temperature becomes cooler, using lighter bedding and staying appropriately hydrated may help.
Heat exhaustion and your wellbeing
Spending too much time in high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, thirst and weakness.
Feeling physically unwell can also affect your emotional wellbeing. You may feel uncomfortable, distressed or anxious, particularly if you are already struggling with stress or anxiety.
During hot weather, drink regularly, avoid excessive physical activity during the hottest part of the day and spend time somewhere cool when possible.
Heat exhaustion can become serious if you do not cool down. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms are severe, worsening or do not improve after cooling down.
Climate-change anxiety
For some people, periods of extreme heat can bring worries about climate change to the forefront.
Sometimes described as climate anxiety or eco-anxiety, these feelings and thoughts can include worry, sadness, anger or helplessness about climate change and what it could mean for the future.
Being informed is important, but constantly checking upsetting news or social media can sometimes intensify anxiety. Consider setting boundaries around how often you follow climate-related news and focus on reliable sources rather than continuously scrolling for updates.
Taking positive, realistic action can also help. This might mean making environmentally conscious choices, getting involved in your community or concentrating on other things that are within your control.
When to ask for support
If anxiety about climate change, or the impact of the heat, is becoming persistent or beginning to affect your sleep, relationships, work or everyday activities, talking to someone can help.
Professional mental health support can give you a safe space to explore what you are experiencing, assess what’s going on for you, and develop practical strategies for managing, as well as breaking patterns or prescribing medication if indicated.
Hot weather can affect both your body and your mind. Take care of yourself, recognise the signs that you may be struggling, and reach out for support when you need it.
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