Extreme temperatures can have significant physical and emotional effects on individuals, according to Ana Patricia González Rodríguez, director of the College of Psychology at the University of Claustro de Sor Juana (UCSJ). When temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius, the human body works hard to regulate internal temperature, leading to discomfort and frustration. Increased perspiration and a focus on maintaining temperature balance in the body are common during heat waves, affecting neurotransmitter production and mood regulation.
The lack of serotonin production due to the body’s efforts to regulate temperature can result in irritability, aggression, and impulsivity. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships in professional, academic, and personal settings as individuals become more self-centered. Additionally, high temperatures can cause insomnia, leading to chronic fatigue and decreased performance, particularly in school environments where concentration and knowledge retention may suffer.
Research in neuroscience has confirmed that heat waves impact both the physical and emotional well-being of individuals. Employers and educational authorities should be aware of the fatigue, irritability, lack of concentration
