Sudden changes in temperature don’t just disrupt our wardrobe : they can also exhaust our body. Fatiguemigraines, dizziness, joint pain… Our body must constantly adapt to heat and cold.
Why are we so sensitive to temperature variations? Can you really get sick after sudden change from cold to hot ? And how can you help your body adapt better?
Why is our body sensitive to sudden changes in temperature?
The human body works a bit like a thermostat. Its mission: to maintain a stable internal temperature, around 37°C.
When it is very hot or very cold, or when temperatures change suddenly, he must adapt urgently !
This adaptation mobilizes several mechanisms:
- The transpirationto evacuate heat,
- Shivering, to produce heat,
- The dilation or contraction of blood vessels,
- Changes in heart rate and breathing.
The problem is that these adjustments require a lot of effort from the body. And in certain fragile people, they can be difficult to manage.
Why are temperature variations common in spring?
In spring, cold and warm air masses can alternate very quickly. Result: the thermometer sometimes rises or falls by more than 10°C in a few days, even in a few hours…
What happens to our body when we quickly go from hot to cold?
When we suddenly move from a hot environment to a cold environment, blood vessels contract quickly to limit heat loss. This is called the vasoconstriction :
- The heart must work harder,
- Some muscles may contract,
- Headaches or feelings of dizziness may occur.
Conversely, when we move from a cold environment to a warm environment, the vessels dilate to evacuate body heat. There blood pressure may then decrease temporarily, especially in sensitive or dehydrated people. Result :
- A feeling of weakness,
- Of the dizziness,
- A sudden fatigue,
- Of the hot flashes,
- A feeling of uneasiness.
From how many degrees of deviation can our body suffer?
There does not exist no precise universal threshold. Sensitivity to temperature variations depends on many factors: age, state of health, level of fatigue,humiditythe wind or even the exposure time.
But in practice, a difference of more than 10°C between two environments can already be difficult for some people to bear, especially when the change is abrupt and repeated several times during the day.
This is often the case:
- Between the heat outside and air-conditioned transport,
- In stores or offices that are very cold in summer,
- During heat waves followed by a sudden cooling.
- In spring, when temperatures vary greatly from one day to the next,
- Etc.
Severe temperature fluctuations: what are the common symptoms?
Reactions vary from person to person. In most cases, symptoms remain mildbut they can be very uncomfortable…
Fatigue and sleep disturbances
Extreme heat often disrupts sleep. At night, the body needs to lower its internal temperature to recover properly. But when it is too hot, this mechanism works less well.
- And restless sleep,
- Of the frequent awakenings,
- A feeling of exhaustion when waking up,
- More irritability during the day.
Please note: intense cold can also tire the body. To maintain its temperature around 37°C, the body must expend more energy, which can increase the feeling of fatigue.
Headaches and feeling unwell
Rapid changes in temperature can cause:
- Of the migraines,
- A heavy head feeling,
- Of the dizziness,
- Of the nausea,
- Feelings of weakness or malaise.
These symptoms are sometimes linked to variations in blood pressure and dehydration.
Blood circulation disorders
As noted above, heat promotes dilation of blood vessels. In some people, circulation becomes more difficult, especially in the legs. Several signs may appear:
- A feeling of heavy legs,
- Of the swellings (swollen ankles),
- Of the more visible varicose veins,
- A drop in voltage.
Conversely, cold reduces the diameter of blood vessels. Blood pressure can then temporarily increase, putting more strain on the heart.
Joint and muscle pain
Many people report feeling more pain when the weather changes suddenly. Variations in temperature and humidity can in fact accentuate:
- THE stiffness,
- THE joint pain,
- And the muscle pain.
People suffering fromosteoarthritis or rheumatism are therefore often the most sensitive to thermal variations.
Changes in appetite
Heat often reduces appetite. The body seeks to produce less heat during digestion. We then more want fresh and light meals.
Conversely, cold can increase feelings of hungerbecause the body spends more energy to maintain its body temperature.
Can you get sick from a sudden change from heat to cold?
On the other hand, the sudden variations can temporarily weaken the body :
- Heat stress tires the body.
- The mucous membranes of the nose and throat are more sensitive.
- Immune defenses may be less effective…
Result: we are sometimes more vulnerable to germs present in the environment.
Who are the most vulnerable to temperature variations?
We are not all equal when it comes to sudden temperature changes. Some people have more difficulty regulating their body heat or adapting quickly to hot and cold.
This is particularly the case:
- Of the infants,
- Of the elderly people,
- Of the pregnant women,
- People affected by cardiovascular diseases,
- People suffering asthma and respiratory diseases,
- Of the people with diabetesor suffering from hypertension,
- Etc.
How can we help our body to adapt better?
Good news: a few simple actions can limit the effects of temperature variations and help the body to better tolerate these changes.
Avoid too sudden deviations
In summer, it is better avoid excessive air conditioning and keep a difference of 5 to 7°C between inside and outside.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Dehydration increases fatigue and the feeling of malaise.
- Drink regularly without waiting to be thirsty.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Avoid excessively sugary drinks.
- Prioritize water and water-rich fruits.
Adapt your clothes to the temperature
The ideal is to wear several layers of clothing to be able to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day.
Take care of your sleep
During hot weather:
- Ventilate early in the morning or late in the evening,
- Close the shutters during the day,
- Avoid heavy meals in the evening,
- Choose light sheets.
Move regularly
Physical activity improves blood circulation and helps the body better adapt to temperature variations. Be careful, however: in periods of high heat, it is better avoid intense efforts during the hottest hours of the day and favor the morning or evening.
When should you consult?
Certain signs should alert you, especially during periods of extreme heat or intense cold:
- Shortness of breath,
- Pain in the chest,
- Feeling unwell,
- Confusion,
- High fever,
- Significant dehydration,
- Loss of consciousness.
In fragile people, these situations can become urgent!
Can our body get used to temperature changes?
Oui, to a certain extent. The body has a capacity for adaptation called “acclimatization”.
After several days of progressive exposure to heat or cold, the body gradually learns to better manage temperature variations. For example, perspiration becomes more effective in heat, while blood circulation gradually adapts to the cold, which makes it easier to withstand the unusual weather episodes.
But this ability to adapt has its limits. When temperature changes are too rapid, too frequent or extreme, the body can have difficulty keeping up, especially when the body is already tired or weakened…
Sources
Heatwave, high heat and health, Amelie.fr
Heat and healthWorld Health Organization (WHO)
Heat waves and their effects on healthMinistry of Health
Overview of heat disordersPar Kathleen Yip, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA ; David Tanen, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Reviewed By Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Le Manuel MSD
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