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Does very hot weather leave you feeling more exhausted and lethargic than usual? There might be an initial surge of joy when the sun finally comes out – but once temperatures really creep up, we can end up feeling physically drained, wondering whether we should follow the Mediterranean’s lead and start introducing daily siestas. So, why does hot weather make us so tired? We asked a doctor to explain… Our bodies have to work harder in the heat “When the weather is hot, our bodies have to work harder to cool themselves down,” says Dr Zulqarnain Shah, medical director at SSP Health and GP at SSP Health practice Colne Road Surgery. “The body’s natural cooling mechanism involves increasing blood circulation near the skin’s surface and promoting sweat production. These physiological changes can lead to fatigue and a feeling of lethargy. It is essential to recognise that this fatigue is a normal response to heat and is typically temporary.” Dehydration Low energy and tiredness are also common when you’re lacking hydration. “Hot weather increases the rate of fluid loss through sweating, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue and make you feel even more lethargic,” adds Dr Shah. “To avoid this, it’s important to stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Aim to drink even when you’re not feeling thirsty, as thirst is not always an accurate indicator of dehydration.” Heat exhaustion “Prolonged exposure to heat can result in heat exhaustion, a condition characterised by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If you experience these warning signs, it’s crucial to move to a cooler environment, drink fluids, and rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly,” says Shah. It’s important to pay attention to warning signs, as if heat stroke develops, this is a medical emergency. Shah stresses: “Heat stroke is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails, and the core temperature rises dangerously high. “Symptoms may include a high body temperature (above 39.4C), altered mental state, confusion, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, call emergency services immediately.” Sleep deprivation The extra tiredness could also be linked to poor sleep, as this can really suffer in the heat. “Hot temperatures can disrupt sleep and lead to poor sleep quality. The body needs to cool down to initiate sleep, and the excessive heat can make it difficult to reach the optimal sleep temperature,” explains Shah. “To improve sleep in hot weather, consider using fans or air conditioning, wearing lightweight and breathable sleepwear, keeping your bedroom well-ventilated, and using lighter bedding.” Pre-existing conditions could get worse Many people living with chronic or long-term health conditions deal with fatigue, which may flare up during heatwaves. “Hot weather can exacerbate symptoms and increase fatigue in individuals with certain chronic health conditions. Conditions such as heart disease, kidney problems, and respiratory issues can be particularly sensitive to heat,” notes Shah. “It’s vital to be aware of your specific health condition and consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice on managing your symptoms during hot weather. They may recommend staying in cooler environments, adjusting medications, or monitoring your fluid intake more closely.” Read More Airbnb customer furious after being charged extra over dog hair People seek hay fever advice once every three seconds, says NHS England Why is my hay fever so bad at the moment? How to tell if you have Covid or heatstroke Why do heatwaves in the UK feel hotter than abroad?

Yet another social media challenge has resulted in the tragic death of a young person, with the company behind by the viral ‘One Chip Challenge’ now confirming it is taking its product off US shelves. Harris Walobah, 14, told a school nurse last week that he had bad stomach ache after eating the chip given to him by a classmate – according to his mother Lois, who shared details of the incident with NBC10 Boston. In a description on its website, manufacturer Paqui states the chip – which comes in a coffin-shaped box – is seasoned with the Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers, with the former holding the Guinness World Record for the hottest pepper at an average of 1.5 million Scoville heat units (SHU) and up to 2.2 million SHU. After going home, Harris reported feeling better, but his brother yelled at 4:30pm that his sibling had passed out, with Harris taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. The family of the Massachusetts teenager claim he died from “complications” caused by the viral ‘One Chip Challenge’, though a post-mortem is yet to be carried out. A GoFundMe set up to help the family with funeral expenses stands at more than $34,000 at the time of writing. On the fundraiser, Harris’s cousin Tashia Roberts describes her relative as an “intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man” who “loved video games and playing basketball”. Now, Paqui have updated their page on this year’s challenge to stress: “The Paqui One Chip Challenge is intended for adults only, with clear and prominent labelling highlighting the chip is not intended for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or has underlying health conditions.” They continued: “We have seen an increase in teens and other individuals not heeding these warnings. “As a result, while the product continues to adhere to food safety standards, out of an abundance of caution, we are actively working with our retailers to remove the product from shelves.” Meanwhile people who have already purchased the single-serve One Chip Challenge product can call a helpline for refunds. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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