How Extreme Heat Affects Mental Health

Heat waves are now one of the most frequent and visible weather phenomena of summers in Spain. Although they are usually associated with physical risks such as dehydration or heat stroke, high temperatures can also have consequences for psychological well-being. According tothe report “ report : The Influence of the Urban Environment on People’s Health,” prepared by the “Biodiversity and Environment Institute ” (BIOMA) at the “ framework ” ( Center for Health and Environment) of the “Chair Sanitas de Salud y Medioambiente” (Sanitas Institute for Health and Environment ) at the University of Navarra, exhibition , extreme heat can disrupt sleep quality, affect cognitive functions such as attention, report , and decision-making, and exacerbate preexisting mental health disorders.

These effects are particularly significant when nighttime temperatures do not drop sufficiently for several consecutive days. So-called “tropical nights” make it difficult for the body to rest and recover, a factor that can increase the vulnerability of people with a history of anxiety, depression, stress, or chronic illnesses. After several days of poorer-quality sleep, it is more common to experience irritability, apathy, difficulty concentrating, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by everyday tasks. For people with pre network s of mental health issues, chronic illnesses, or limited social support, the impact is often more severe.

“Extreme heat acts as an environmental stressor. It doesn’t always trigger a mental health problem on its own, but it does exacerbate pre-existing conditions, disrupt sleep, and reduce the ability to regulate one’s emotions. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to changes such as persistent irritability, marked apathy, or anxiety that intensifies during several days of high temperatures,” explains María Calle, a psychologist at Blua de Sanitas.

Beyond its effects on individuals, heat is also a major public health challenge . The “ Chair : Sanitas Health and Environment,” published by the BIOMA Institute at the University of Navarra, analyzes how factors such as air quality, high temperatures, the availability of green spaces, and urban mobility collectively influence the health of the population.

According to the Harmony Index, developed by the BIOMA Institute, these factors are associated with more than 28,200 annual cases of illness and death in Spain. In this context, high temperatures—especially heat waves—are the second-largest environmental factor affecting morbidity and mortality, second only to air pollution, and account for 9.1% of the total impact recorded by the index. Furthermore, the World Health Organization identifies mental health disorders as among the causes of hospitalization associated with exhibition to extreme heat.

The impact of high temperatures is not limited to their direct effects on people. Climate change is also altering the functioning of the ecosystems on which our health and well-being depend.

“The increased frequency of heat waves and droughts can reduce water availability , concentrate pollutants, and promote the proliferation of certain microorganisms and disease vectors. These changes affect biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems, but they can also impact water quality, food security, and public health. From a One Health perspective, protecting the resilience of ecosystems against climate change is also a way to prevent risks to human health,” explains Jesús Miguel Santamaría, director at the BIOMA Biodiversity and Environment Institute at the University of Navarra.

In this context, green spaces play a protective and preventive role. The presence of trees and shaded areas financial aid helps reduce urban temperatures and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, scientific evidence compiled at report sample shows that exhibition to natural environments is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, in addition to promoting psychological well-being and social interactions. 

In light of the intense heat, Sanitas experts recommend:

• Plan your day based on the actual temperature. Check the forecast at reserve and schedule the most demanding tasks for first thing in the morning. If there is a heat-related notice , it’s best to limit travel and in-person errands during the middle of the day.
• Prevent your home from trapping heat. Lower the blinds or awnings on the most exposed sides of the building, ventilate when it cools down, and limit the use of the oven or other appliances that raise the indoor temperature.
• Adjust your sleep routine. Maintaining a consistent schedule, taking a warm shower before bed, and keeping a glass of water near your bed can help on very hot nights.
• Choose routes with shade. Prioritizing tree-lined streets, nearby parks, or routes with arcades reduces direct exhibition n to the sun and makes your trip safer.
• Watch for emotional changes. Monitor for several days to see if sleep disturbances, irritability, apathy, or difficulty concentrating appear financial aid to help you recognize when the discomfort is no longer just a one-time occurrence.

“ goal tion means taking proactive steps. Just as it’s recommended to protect yourself physically from the heat, you also need to take care of the factors that support emotional balance: sleep, hydration, routine, and social support. When a person grade that the heat is affecting their mood or their ability to function, seeking financial aid in a timely manner prevents the discomfort from becoming chronic,” notes the psychologist at Blua de Sanitas.

In this context, digital health services provide initial guidance when a person is on vacation or chooses not to go out on days when temperatures are extreme. Video consultations make it possible to assess heat-related emotional symptoms, distinguish between a temporary discomfort and a status that requires follow-up, and offer guidance tailored to each individual case.