Yes, the Louisana Heat and Humidity Makes Us Mad, Cranky and Sad
(Lafayette, LA) - Hot, humid, and sweaty are just three adjectives we use to describe Louisiana summer, but grumpy, mad, and cranky are three words we can use to describe ourselves, and the research backs it up.
For years, no decades, people have constantly discussed how miserable and exhausted they feel dealing with the heat and humidity of our Acadiana weather. Most people treat the issue as if it's their own problem for not being able to control their behavior, but research shows that's not the whole story.
Even though we would probably all love to stay inside when it's extremely hot, that's not a reality if we have to make a living. But it's not just some joke that we are unhappier the hotter it gets.
What Scientists Have Discovered About Louisiana's Hot Weather
Have you ever heard of the term "Heat Rage" or "Summer Aggression"? These are two terms used in a Psychology Today article about the impact heat has on each of us daily.
According to the article,
Researchers Brad Bushman and Jennifer Whitaker (2010) conducted a meta-analysis of 56 studies and found a consistent relationship between hot weather and aggression. The scorching temperatures lead to increased discomfort, which, in turn, can trigger irritability and aggression. The phenomenon is commonly referred to as "heat rage" or "summer aggression."
Dr. Susan Albers with the Cleveland Clinic says hot weather can make us miserable in more ways than one. The heat puts more stress on our bodies, which in turn releases more cortisol, the stress hormone. She notes people can have much more difficulty getting a restful night's sleep.
Albers writes,
In fact, during heat waves, we see an increase in suicides, substance use, domestic violence, and emergency room visits due to mental health issues. The heat doesn’t cause mental health issues, but it does exacerbate many of the symptoms that people experience.
It's not just in your head or just a quirk of your personality that you feel more agitated when the hot weather decides to pay a visit, and in the case of Louisiana, sticks around for months. Even if the temperature does not seem as high as the previous day, in Louisiana, the high humidity can make it feel much hotter.
The Link Between Extreme Heat and Aggression in Louisiana
Tulane University's Newcomb Institute coauthored a study about the connection between extreme heat and domestic violence. Anita Raj, who is the executive director of the Newcomb Institute, says,
Researchers found that when “feels-like” temperatures factoring in heat and humidity stayed in the city’s top 10% for at least five straight days, domestic violence calls rose by 7%.
The American Psychological Association notes that higher temperatures make it harder to concentrate. People are more apt to act impulsively when temperatures are higher, and we are more agitated.
Dr. Susan Albers recommends the following to beat the heat:
- Plan things around the hottest time of the day.
- Try to run errands in the morning.
- Make sure you stay hydrated.
So, just remember: the next time you feel more agitated on a hot day, it's not just you; it is a real impact of hotter temperatures and higher humidity.
When It's Hot Outside, What Do Louisiana Experts Suggest You Avoid
The Louisiana Department of Health has the following recommendations for things to avoid during the heat:
- You should avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine.
- Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink something.
- Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
- Avoid having big meals; eat small meals more often.
- As much as possible, stay inside during the hottest part of the day.
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