health
American Summers Are Starting to Feel Like Winter
Extreme weather is keeping more people stuck inside.
TL;DR
- Summers are getting hotter, with cities like Phoenix experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat.
- The need to stay indoors due to heat limits social opportunities and outdoor activities, contributing to feelings of depression.
- This phenomenon is being described as "summer depression" or Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which shares some symptoms with winter SAD but also includes insomnia and restlessness.
- Heat itself is linked to mood disorders, anxiety, aggression, and reduced cognitive function.
- Disrupted sleep due to heat, longer daylight, and extended indoor time can worsen mood disorders.
- While air conditioning offers relief, staying indoors excessively can lead to reduced sunlight exposure, mirroring a cause of winter SAD.
- Summer SAD is rare (0.6% prevalence) and less understood than winter SAD, with limited treatment options.
- Traditional treatments for winter SAD (like light boxes) are not recommended for summer SAD, and SSRIs may increase heat sensitivity.
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, making this an escalating public health concern.
- Some individuals are considering relocating to cooler climates, though even historically cooler regions are experiencing rising temperatures.