The Unsettling Impact of Australia’s Wild Weather Swings on Our Wellbeing
As June rolls in, traditionally signalling the start of meteorological summer, many Australians are experiencing a stark contrast to the anticipated warmth. Following a recent heatwave, the nation is bracing for a significant shift towards cooler, wetter conditions, complete with potential thunderstorms and blustery winds. This dramatic turn in weather patterns begs the question: how do these rapid environmental changes affect our physical and mental health?
Dr. Lucy Hooper, a London-based General Practitioner and co-founder of Coyne Medical, highlights a key challenge: the human body struggles to acclimatise when temperatures fluctuate so frequently. “The problem we face is that these hot spells, followed by cooler weather, mean our bodies don’t get the opportunity to fully adjust,” explains Dr. Hooper. In countries with consistently warmer climates, people naturally adapt their behaviour, fluid intake, and their bodies learn to cope. However, in Australia, with its increasingly unpredictable weather, these sudden shifts prevent the development of such tolerance.
“It typically takes about seven to 14 days to properly acclimatise to hotter climates,” Dr. Hooper notes. “But at the moment, we’re seeing weather changes on a day-to-day basis.” She cautions that these increasingly erratic summers, characterised by a see-sawing between heat and cool spells, could be more disruptive than prolonged periods of warm weather. “It looks like we’re heading for summers where it’s hot, then cold, then hot again. This is potentially more destabilising than just having four to six weeks of genuinely hot weather, because your body is constantly trying to find a new equilibrium, a new balance, and then suddenly everything changes again in the environment,” she elaborates.
Here are four ways these fluctuating summer temperatures can impact both our physical and mental wellbeing, along with some practical advice on how to mitigate these effects:
1. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
“Warm weather has a significant impact on our bodies, and one of the most profound effects is on our sleep,” says Dr. Hooper. “Even moderate temperature increases can lead to a loss of crucial restorative sleep stages, which can have a substantial impact on our overall health and wellbeing.”
2. Shifting Moods and Mental Health
While many associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with the colder winter months, it can also affect individuals during the summer. “There’s a considerable amount of data indicating that some people experience SAD during the summer, and rising temperatures can also influence aggression,” Dr. Hooper observes. “Many individuals become more stressed in the heat, and there appears to be a correlation between rising temperatures and increases in crime rates and domestic violence.”
Extreme weather conditions often lead people to alter their routines. “When we experience extreme weather, we’re more likely to cancel plans and avoid going outside or exercising, which can significantly impact our wellbeing,” she adds.
3. Compromised Immune System
“Heat can definitely impact the immune system,” states Dr. Hooper. “You experience more inflammatory signals and stress responses within the body. Over time, if this persists, the body may stop responding to these stress signals as a way of conserving energy.”
“This is why we believe that prolonged exposure to heat can lead to a less effective immune response,” she explains. “When the weather cools down, there’s less stress on the body, which should provide an opportunity for the immune system to recover. However, we know that responses to heat stress aren’t immediate. It takes time for our bodies to recover from that stress, and the impact can linger for a while.”
4. Brain Fog and Cognitive Function
“Hormonal changes, such as those involving cortisol and serotonin, in hot weather can affect our brain function, impacting aspects like memory, decision-making, and energy levels,” says Dr. Hooper. “We know that even after the temperature has lowered, people can still experience some residual effects. For instance, brain function doesn’t seem to return to a person’s normal baseline straight away.”
“This is particularly noticeable in middle-aged and older adults, where there often appears to be some prolonged dysfunction of their brain and neurological function,” she adds.
5. Strain on the Cardiovascular System
“In hot weather, your heart rate increases, your blood pumps more vigorously, and there’s greater blood flow throughout the body, which can put additional strain on the heart,” Dr. Hooper explains. “While this should theoretically ease when temperatures fall, it doesn’t happen instantaneously, and some strain may still be felt in the aftermath of hot spells.”
Strategies for Coping with Weather Fluctuations
Fortunately, there are several steps individuals can take to counteract these effects:
- Prioritise Quality Sleep: “Getting good sleep is a major factor to prioritise,” advises Dr. Hooper. “Do whatever you can practically to facilitate this, such as keeping your bedroom cool.”
- Mindful Self-Care: Consider how temperature shifts might be affecting your wellbeing. “If you’re feeling more stressed, irritable, or angry than usual, perhaps engage in some self-care activities to manage these feelings so they don’t negatively impact you or your relationships,” suggests Dr. Hooper.
- Stay Hydrated: “Maintaining adequate hydration is a really important and relatively simple step we can take,” recommends Hooper.
- Maintain Routines and Social Connections: “In addition, make sure you are still getting out and seeing people. Sticking to your regular routines as much as possible can also help you maintain a sense of wellbeing.”
