Stress in heat: why we lose our temper and how not to go mad in the heat Have you ever noticed how people become more irritable on hot days? Drivers honk for no reason, salespeople answer sharply, and colleagues in the office are ready to explode over any trifle. This is no coincidence. Heat is a powerful stressor that hits our nervous system harder than many of us are ready to admit. We are used to attributing bad mood to “character” or “weather”, but in fact, there are complex physiological processes behind this that turn heat into a real challenge for our psyche. Let's figure out how heat causes stress, why some people cope with it easier than others, and what can be done to maintain self-control on the hottest days of the year. Physiology of stress in heat: what happens to the body Our body is a perfect system of thermoregulation. Under ideal conditions, it maintains body temperature around 36.6 degrees. When the surrounding environment heats up, the body activates cooling mechanisms: dilates blood vessels, increases sweating, and increases breathing rate. But these processes require energy and resources. The heart starts to beat faster to pump more blood to the surface of the skin. The brain receives signals of overheating and activates the stress response system. The main player in this process is the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenal axis, which releases cortisol - the stress hormone. Cortisol helps to mobilize energy, but its level can remain elevated longer than usual in heat. As a result, we feel not just tired, but “on edge”. Moreover, heat disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters: serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for mood and motivation. Their decline leads to apathy, anxiety, and even depression. Dehydration exacerbates the situation. Even losing 1-2% of fluid reduces cognitive abilities, worsens concentration, and increases anxiety levels. The brain, consisting of 75% water, works slower and less effectively when there is a lack of m ... Read more