In fact, people are indeed very angry and lose their temper when it is hot. But why is that?
If it’s because of discomfort, then the cold brings the same thing. But obviously, people don’t get irritable in the winter, right?
Cortisol levels make us more irritable.
In fact, this is a question that has puzzled scientists for many years. A lot of evidence shows that when it’s hot, the rates of fights, violent fights, and suicides also increase.
And it turns out there’s a whole mechanism behind this story, not just a feeling. A new study has shown that hot weather actually increases the amount of cortisol – the stress hormone in the body . When you are more stressed, you get angry more easily.
According to Dr. Dominika Kanikowska, study author from the University of Poznan School of Medicine, previous studies have suggested all sorts of theories, such as that heat increases heart rate, increases testosterone levels, and activates the sympathetic nervous system. All create a “fight or flight” response in the brain, and people want to be angry, more irritable.
But Kanikowska realized that the reason was simply cortisol!
“This hormone helps us reduce inflammation and maintain health. However, when it gets too high, things get worse.”
” Cortisol levels are usually highest in the morning, then gradually decrease during the day. The lowest is in the evening, to ensure quality sleep.”