Impact of heat on mental health

In the United Arab Emirates, extreme heat is affecting the mental health of office workers, even though they are constantly in cooled rooms, experts have found.

As the heat and humidity intensify during the summer, people become more irritable, sleep less well, some develop apathy and depression and lose interest in life. All these abnormalities ultimately affect labour productivity.

Studies have shown that heat waves make people more aggressive, and extremely high temperatures cause problems with memory, attention and slower reactions to events.

During periods of extreme heat, there is a 40 per cent chance of hospitalisation due to mood disorders such as depression and mania, doctors say. All this is exacerbated by disrupted work and rest patterns, leading to hormonal imbalance and increased cortisol (stress hormone).

Symptoms of heat stress vary from person to person. They can include constant tension, irritability, decreased motivation and low mood. If these symptoms persist over time, anxiety and depression build up.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage the symptoms: good sleep hygiene, healthy eating and maintaining water balance. To stay calm, you should do breathing exercises and use meditation to manage stress. If possible, prolonged exposure to high temperatures should be avoided.

Source: Khaleej Times