Vertigo is described as the inability to perceive one’s position in space and the feeling that one or the surroundings are spinning.
Vertigo has many causes, including temperature and climate factors. Especially on hot days, high temperatures can make the condition worse.
The 5 main causes of dizziness in hot weather are:
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the main causes of dizziness or lightheadedness in the summer. Your body’s ideal temperature is around 37 °C. Your body cools itself by releasing heat in the form of sweat.
The hot and humid temperatures in the summer often cause your body to become dehydrated. As a result, your body has a harder time coping with the heat and your internal body temperature increases, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
2. Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion and excessive sweating can reduce blood volume and lead to serious health conditions, including heatstroke. One of the symptoms of heatstroke is dizziness, which may be accompanied by heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate, and fainting.
3. Sudden temperature changes
Going in and out of an air-conditioned room affects both the internal and external temperatures. It forces your body to adjust to the changing temperature, creating a stress-like situation.
This can lead to dizziness and other conditions such as dry eyes, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, etc. Furthermore, sudden temperature changes can also cause postural dizziness (vertigo), as it can disrupt the vestibular system (a system that helps maintain balance).
4. Airflow problems
Working or living in a cramped and poorly ventilated space can also lead to dizziness. You may also call this condition Sick House Syndrome or SBS. It is primarily caused by poor ventilation and poor air quality in enclosed spaces. While the exact cause of SBS is unknown, it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and a variety of skin and respiratory conditions.
5. Sun Exposure
Being out in the sun, especially during peak hours, between 11am and 4pm, can put you at risk for heat-related illnesses, including dizziness.
What can you do to prevent dizziness in hot weather?
Here are some things you can try to avoid dizziness in hot weather:
- Make sure you drink enough water, regardless of your activity level. If you are on a water-restricted diet or diuretics, consult your healthcare provider before increasing your fluid intake.
- Avoid drinking too much tea or coffee, and limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. All of these can make dehydration worse.
- Use ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) as it replenishes your body’s fluids quickly and helps you feel better. If you don’t have pre-mixed or packaged ORS, you can easily make your own at home by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar in a liter of water.
- You can also drink energy drinks and refreshing drinks like coconut water and lemonade in the summer.
- Avoid sun exposure as much as possible, especially during peak hours.
- Wear light, loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
- Don’t leave the house without sunglasses, a hat or an umbrella.
- Excessive physical activity and outdoor activities on a hot day can cause heat stress. Try to limit these activities to the “cool” hours of the day.
- Eat small meals and salads. Avoid eating foods that are too spicy or too hot.
