Extreme Heat on the Brain: How to Think in the Heat

Too hot to think? Research is revealing how scorching temps affect the brain and experts share best tips for staying cool and hydrated.

By Carla Delgado
Jul 7, 2021 8:30 PMSep 7, 2023 2:35 PM
Young man standing outside in the sun with heat stroke
(Credit: BLACKWHITEPAILYN/Shutterstock)

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If you’ve ever felt like you can’t think straight or concentrate on a task when it’s hot and humid, you’re not alone.

Many individuals experience this brain fog when temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels, and with summer approaching, it becomes even more of a concern.

How Heat Affects the Brain

There is a growing body of research that demonstrates how environmental conditions — and heat in particular — can affect mental performance. A 2006 study showed that an increase in indoor temperature can reduce work productivity in the office. Researchers evaluated how well participants carried out common office tasks and saw that there is a consistent decrease in performance when the temperature rises above 75.2°F. 

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