Turns out, the phrase ‘It’s too cold, I can’t think straight!’
might actually have some truth to it.
Yes, cold weather is certainly uncomfortable for the body, but how does it affect the brain?
Cavan Images / Getty Images
How Does Hypothermia Affect Brain Function?
When body temperature is too low due to hypothermia,the braincan be affected.
Several studies showed cognitive performance specifically tomemoryand attention andexecutive functionafter exposure to a cold stimulus.
At more extreme temperatures, he says people can experience a loss of consciousness and seizures.
What About Brain Freeze?
Brain freeze is a sharp, fleeting headache-like sensation that triggers when you eat or drink something cold.
However, the brain is not actually freezing during this sensation.
What is Thermoregulation?
The skin, sweat glands, circulatory system, and brain all help with thermoregulation.
Exposure to extreme or sustained temperatures that overwhelm the bodys thermoregulatory capacity can result in hypothermia or hyperthermia.
This tends not to occur with colder temperatures, she says.
What are the Psychological and Emotional Effects of Cold Weather?
Studies for the more general population show cold weather decreased cognitive functioning, memory and vigilance.
Further, cold temperatures increased distractibility, response time, decision making, and reasoning.
The physical effects on the body of cold temperatures elevatesstress, which increases symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Palinkas LA.Mental and cognitive performance in the cold.
International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
2001;60(3):430-439.
Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2021;18(18):9725.
Science Media Centre.Expert reaction to impact of cold weather on human health.
2022;12(9):4495.
