The Real Reason You Get Tired In The Heat

If you've ever felt tired after staying out in the sun all day, you're not alone. Heat exhaustion is more common than you might think. Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when your body overheats in response to high temperatures and cannot cool itself down (via Medical News Today). This is more likely to occur in hot, humid climates. That's because humidity makes it difficult for your sweat to evaporate, which is what causes your body temperature to go down.

If you're unable to cool yourself down quickly enough, you may experience heat exhaustion. Dehydration may also increase your risk of overheating. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, nausea, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, vomiting, rapid and shallow breathing, flushed face, quickened pulse, and cold or damp skin with goosebumps. While heat exhaustion is not generally life-threatening and will not likely cause any permanent impairments, it can lead to heat stroke if left untreated, which can cause damage to your internal organs.

If you're experiencing any of the early signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion, there are a few things you can do to help your body cool down. First and foremost, you should stop whatever you're doing and find a shaded spot to sit down and rest (via Healthline). Continuing to move around in the heat will only cause your body temperature to steadily increase. It's also important to rehydrate your body by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks with electrolytes. This will help replenish all the fluids and electrolytes your body lost through sweat.

Another way to cool off is to remove any excess or unnecessary clothing and accessories. Loosening or removing any tight or heavy clothing may make it easier for your sweat to evaporate. You can also apply an ice pack to your body's pulse points, like your wrists or the back of your neck. This can help lower the temperature of the blood running through the veins in these area and reduce your overall body heat.