Extreme Heat Linked to Mental Health Decline and Cognitive Strain

The climate crisis in the Canary Islands has brought attention to an often-overlooked issue: how extreme heat affects mental health and brain function. According to psychologist and neuropsychologist Nayara Ortega, the impact of intense heat goes beyond physical health, significantly affecting how people manage their emotions and think clearly.

This happens because of how our bodies react to heat. When temperatures soar, the brain works hard to keep the body cool through sweating and increased blood flow. This metabolic strain leaves less energy for the brain’s executive functions. When combined with poor sleep, this process disrupts communication between the parts of the brain that handle emotions and decision-making. As a result, people may feel more irritable, impulsive, and struggle to focus or make sound decisions.

Clinical data shows a rise in hospital visits for anxiety, depression, and impulsive behavior during heatwaves. While heat is not the direct cause of psychiatric conditions, it acts as a major stressor. For those already living with anxiety, mood disorders, dementia, or chronic illnesses, extreme heat can make symptoms much worse. Furthermore, some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature or sense thirst, increasing the risk for those taking them.

The impact varies by group. In children, whose brains are still developing, heat stress often leads to lower frustration levels and disruptive behavior. Rather than seeing this as a behavioral issue, it should be understood as a biological struggle to stay regulated. Additionally, the social isolation caused by staying indoors to avoid the sun can further harm overall well-being.

To manage these challenges, experts suggest practical lifestyle adjustments. It is important to lower expectations for personal productivity during heatwaves, stay hydrated, avoid direct sun, and move physical activity to cooler times of the day. Ultimately, protecting the community—especially vulnerable groups like the elderly living alone—is essential to preventing a broader public health crisis.