Gaby
Summer and heat are nearly synonymous. When temperatures soar above 77°F, and the air feels stifling, many people start to feel uncomfortable. In the quest to stay cool during the heat, individuals are willing to try just about anything. This leads to the spread of various theories and myths about the best ways to cope with the heat.
Does a cup of tea really help cool you down, and will sleeping without clothes make it easier to endure the heat? Experts have debunked some of the most common myths about coping with high temperatures.
Myth 1: Sleeping without clothes helps cool you down during a heatwave
Sleeping naked seems like the simplest and quickest way to lower your body temperature when it’s hot. Pharmacist Abbas Kanani claims this is a myth, as this approach doesn’t provide significant relief during the heat.
The expert explains that when we’re undressed, sweat accumulates on our skin and stays there. While fewer layers of clothing can make you feel more comfortable in the heat, wearing a lightweight pajama made from breathable fabric that wicks moisture away from the body can actually make you feel cooler and more comfortable while sleeping.
Mr. Kanani recommends wearing natural fabrics like cotton or linen at night, as they allow air circulation and absorb sweat. This will help cool your body more effectively than sleeping without any clothes at all.
Myth 2: Hot drinks help you cool down
Many believe that drinking tea or coffee during a heatwave helps cool you off. Dr. Adam Staten, head of the One Day Tests clinic, says this claim doesn’t hold water. In his view, it doesn’t matter whether you consume hot or cold beverages during the heat; the key is to stay adequately hydrated.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani agrees with this perspective. He supports his colleague, stating that any form of hydration is crucial for maintaining coolness in elevated temperatures.
Mr. Kanani advises drinking plenty of fluids, especially plain water, to avoid dehydration. However, it’s important to remember not to drink too much water in a short period, as this can put extra strain on the kidneys. It’s best to consume water in small portions (up to 17 ounces) evenly throughout the day, whenever you feel thirsty.
The health expert also recommends avoiding excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages during the summer heat, as they can lead to quicker dehydration.
Additionally, physiologists note that consuming chilled sugary or alcoholic drinks in the heat doesn’t actually help cool you down. On the contrary, they can increase thirst and even slightly raise body temperature, as the calories consumed require more energy to process.
Myth 3: Sunscreen should only be applied in the sun
Another common misconception is that you can’t get sunburned in the summer when it’s cloudy outside. Mr. Kanani explains that this statement is false because clouds do not block all of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Of course, the chances of getting sunburned on a cloudy day are lower than on a clear day. However, the risk still exists, especially for individuals with very sensitive skin. Additionally, some people believe they can apply sunscreen only in the morning or skip it altogether on cloudy days.
Abbas Kanani adds that another widespread mistake is thinking that if sunscreen is water-resistant, it doesn’t need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating. But this is incorrect, as the expert points out in a comment to the Daily Mail. Such protective products should be reapplied immediately after swimming, sweating, or when they may have worn off.
During a heatwave, the most important thing is to avoid sunburns. Dr. Staten notes that they are quite common. In fact, sunburns can have serious consequences both in the short and long term, with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Forewarned is forearmed. Now you know the best ways to behave during the heat and can disregard the myths about cooling methods that simply don’t work.
