Brain: what happens to our mind at high temperatures

The 40 degree limit

You can set a temperature limit close to the 40 degreesfrom which our brain it does not work correctly. thanks to our hypothalamus -the region that regulates temperature- we are able to maintain a constant temperature of about 37, but when our body reaches temperatures above 40, the hypothalamus stops working properly and does not control our natural cooling system, perspiration (sweat). That is when we can suffer a heat stroke.

In this situation, the nervous system is especially vulnerable. As the hypothalamus it has to work excessively to maintain an adequate body temperature, it leaves other vital functions such as attention, which slows down, in the background. And something similar happens with the brain communication system: nerve impulses take longer to propagate and therefore our response capacity is much slower. The consequence is that we are more tired and apathetic.

consequences in the brain

-Irritability and confusion.

-Lack of sleep.

-Drop in attention.

– Tiredness and apathy.

Be careful with cold drinks

If at this point you are thinking that a possible solution to the heat would be to drink a very cold drink, it should be noted that our brain does not like sudden changes in temperature at all. It is that when drinking it, you can suffer a headache from cryostimulus or, put another way, a strong sensation of headache when taking something cold. We are confusing the circulatory system, which in turn is driving the brain crazy. And this one responds with a touch of attention in the form of pain.