The heat in Spain these days is unbearable. Temperatures reached 44º in some areasan oven that never shuts down. With 32 provinces on orange alert, sleeping has become a success. We already know the recommendations: stay hydrated and go outside during the hottest hours. However, it is not possible to put an end to this nervousness created by the sweltering heat wave. While we will survive as good warriors and warriors, mental health is suffering these days.

More angry, more aggressive. The heat is making us moody. Mainly because we are uncomfortable, clingy, overwhelmed and still have to go about our day-to-day chores. Science has been linking rising temperatures for years with changes in our mood. Studies show that people honk the horn more when it’s hotter. Other investigations shows that police officers are more aggressive at higher temperatures.

The consequences could be even more serious. an American study He found that the hotter the weather, the more attacks and murders occurred. In Spain, recently, report Heatwaves linked to a 40% increased risk of femicide.

Why? Why? Before we get into the topic, it should be noted that our body responds to heat with different physiological changes: an increase in heart rate, blood circulation, sweating, testosterone production, and other metabolic changes. Not only that: according to some expertsHeat also produces psychological effects such as increased anger. So science, these additional degrees altering serotonin and dopamine levels and balancehaving an effect on emotions.

More crimes and crimes. Heat waves doubled. And it’s somewhat alarming, as a 2014 study calculated that if the trend continues, between 2010 and 2099, climate change will cause an additional 22,000 murders, 180,000 rapes, and 1.2 million armed robberies in the United States. In fact, published research Science explains how most armed conflicts unfold during the warmer months.

in Spain, 2016 data of the Ministry of Interior monthly crime rate was determined. And of course, we find more crime in the summer.

Added to all this is insomnia.. if we know that The ideal temperature for sleeping is around 17-18ºC.. What can we expect from the current temperature? Nobody can sleep with 41ºC. And even less so for those living in poorly ventilated or non-air-conditioned homes. Additionally, this climate does not motivate us to leave the house, which severely punishes our social relationships and creates even more irritability and erratic behavior.

worse mental health According to this report by El PAÍS, heat waves also stand out in psychiatric emergencies. Review of scientific literature published in 2021 It suggests that for each higher grade, the mental health-related mortality rate increased by 2.2%. Another 2022 study links heatwaves with increased visits to the emergency room for mental health problems.

Even weather conditions play a role in self-harm. A study higher temperatures associated with increased risk of suicide. The heat will kill us.

Image: Remove Splash