Everybody deals with hot and cold temperatures differently, and for people who have heat temperature sensitivity, the warm weather can leave them feeling awful. Also referred to as heat intolerance, heat sensitivity means a person’s body doesn’t regulate temperature properly.
Your body navigates a fine line between cold and hot to keep you comfortable. The hypothalamus is the portion of your brain that does this job. When you’re too hot, the hypothalamus sends signals to your body to increase sweat production to cool you down.
For heat sensitive people, this process doesn’t work the way it should.
Why You Might be Sensitive to Heat
There are many different causes of heat sensitivity:
Too much caffeine
Coffee can increase your heart rate and speed up your metabolism because caffeine is a stimulant. This can cause your body temperature to rise, limit sweat production, and possibly lead to heat sensitivity.
Medications
Various medications could be a cause of your heat sensitivity. Allergy, decongestant and blood pressure medications are some of the biggest culprits. Some medications can actually suppress sweat production and raise your body’s temperature.
Thyroid issues
Problems with your thyroid could be the reason for heat sensitivity (specifically hyperthyroidism). This condition causes your thyroid to create too much of the hormone thyroxine, which can affect your body’s metabolism. This in turn can cause your body’s temperature to rise.
Note: The experts at ClimateCare are not medical experts. Please consult your physician if you experience any temperature-related symptoms.
Signs that You May be Sensitive to the Heat
A few things to look for to find out if you suffer from heat intolerance include: headaches, dizziness, weakness, cramping, nausea and an increased heartbeat. These signs may come on gradually, but see your doctor if you suffer from any of these side effects.
Heat Exhaustion
Being sensitive to the heat can lead to bigger problems. Your heat intolerance could turn to heat exhaustion in extreme cases. This in turn could lead to heatstroke if not stopped earlier, which can be fatal in some cases.
While heat sensitivity may seem like a minor issue, it’s important to be aware of your body and how it deals with heat.
Tips to Stay Comfortable
There are a few ways to battle the symptoms of heat sensitivity:
- Stay in cool, air-conditioned environments
- Limit your time in the heat
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
- Wear lightweight fabrics
- Watch the amount of outdoor exercise, work and sports you do.
If you or someone in your family runs too hot, contact the heating and cooling professionals at ClimateCare. With our smart thermostats, we can help you control the A/C throughout your home so that everyone remains comfortable. Contact us today for our expert advice.
