How Extreme Heat Affects Our Mental Health

Extreme temperatures remind us just how much heat can affect our physical health in dangerous and sometimes deadly ways. More than 600 people die each year in the U.S. from heat-related illnesses. But emerging research shows that hot days can affect our mental health, too. Emergency room visits for mental health issues across age groups rise along with the temperature. And the heat can affect everything from our sleep and mood to our susceptibility to anxiety and depression. We discuss how we can prepare for the effects of heat waves on our brains and bodies. Want to support 1A?<a href="http://donate.npr.org/1A"> Give to your local public radio station</a> and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find out how to connect with us by visiting our <a href="https://the1a.org/">website</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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