Finding the weather too hot to handle?

We experienced record hot temperatures for the start of May but what might the heat be doing to our bodies?

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

“Heat can impair several areas of cognitive performance, including attention, short-term memory and decision-making,” says Dr Steven Allder, a consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.

“When the body overheats, resources are diverted from the brain to regulate core temperature, which can slow processing speed and reduce mental clarity.

“People may find it harder to concentrate, solve problems or retain information.”

Can heat contribute to mental fatigue?

“When the body is trying to cool itself, more energy is used for thermoregulation, leaving fewer resources available for cognitive functioning,” explains Dr Allder. “This can result in feelings of tiredness, mental sluggishness and reduced alertness.