Cooling the Mind: Summer’s impact on mental health and sleep patterns

As temperatures continue to soar across the country, it’s not just physical health that’s under stress—mental well-being and sleep quality are increasingly being affected by the harsh summer heat.

Rising Heat, Rising Anxiety

Mental health experts are reporting a noticeable increase in complaints related to irritability, anxiety, and fatigue during summer months. “Excessive heat often leads to poor mood regulation,” says Dr. Anjali Mehra, a clinical psychologist. “People feel easily agitated, find it hard to concentrate, and even report symptoms of seasonal depression.”

According to studies, high temperatures can affect serotonin levels, which play a key role in mood regulation. For individuals already dealing with anxiety or depression, summer heat can worsen symptoms.

Sleep Disrupted by the Heat

Hot, humid nights are a major reason for sleep disturbances. Sleep researchers say that body temperature must drop slightly for restful sleep, but without proper cooling, the body struggles to transition into deeper sleep cycles. “We’re seeing a spike in insomnia and restlessness in both adults and children,” says sleep expert Dr. Vinod Kapoor.

Children and the Elderly More Vulnerable

Children, who need more sleep for development, and elderly individuals, who already suffer from lighter sleep, are the most affected. Parents report that children are waking up cranky and restless, which in turn affects their concentration and energy levels during the day.

Managing the Summer Blues

Experts recommend simple steps such as using light cotton bed linen, staying hydrated, avoiding screen time before bed, and using fans or air conditioning to maintain a cool room temperature. Mental relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and reducing caffeine intake can also ease the psychological burden of heat.

A Holistic Summer Strategy

With climate change making summers harsher every year, it’s important to recognize the toll on mental health and sleep. A shift in lifestyle, greater awareness, and preventive care are key to keeping both body and mind cool during the sweltering season.