Summer can be divisive, with some of us loving the extra heat and others begging for the cooler months to roll around. Whether you’re a summer lover or avoider, there’s no denying that this season places unique demands on your body, especially in Australia. The higher temperatures can have negative impacts if you’re not careful – influencing hydration levels, nervous system functionality, sleep quality, and how effectively your body is able to recover from mental and physical stress. 

By understanding what summer heat does to your body, you can proactively protect your energy and wellbeing throughout these warmer months, making the most of the enjoyment they have to offer.

Why does heat have such an impact on us?

When temperatures rise, your body is tasked with working harder in order to keep its internal temperature stable. This process, called thermoregulation, is only achieved with more sweat, as well as increasing blood flow to the skin. Although this keeps you cool, there’s a tradeoff – more strain is placed on your cardiovascular system, and this costs more in energy than you may think.

You’re also more likely to run the risk of becoming dehydrated. Even mild dehydration can negatively impact circulation, impair cognitive function, and make muscles feel much heavier during recovery. This is why it’s so common for many of us to feel increasingly fatigued, foggy or irritable in the midst of summer days, even if our routines look the same as they do throughout the rest of the year.

Since heat can also increase baseline inflammation levels in the body, it’s no surprise if you’re feeling run-down, sore, or depleted. 

The hidden cost to recovery

It’s during recovery where the body repairs muscle tissue, restores energy reserves and balances hormones. During summer, these all-important processes can all too easily become compromised.

Higher temperatures mean that it’s harder for your body to cool down and recover after exercise or a long day out in the heat. If your core temperature stays elevated for too long, your nervous system can also remain in a semi-alert state. As a result, tissue repair slows down, and stress hormones are elevated.

This is where targeted recovery tools become especially important in the midst of those hot summer days. Red light therapy can support cellular repair and energy production, helping muscles and tissues to recover more efficiently. Alternatively, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can support healing, reduce inflammation, and help to reduce the fatigue that’s built up as a result of hot weather.

Why summer temperatures can disrupt your sleep

Warm evenings, humid air and heat that’s trapped in your home can prevent the natural cooling process your body needs to fall asleep – and stay asleep. Since poor sleep has a flow-on effect to everything, it’s no surprise that you may feel more irritable due to hot summer nights and interrupted sleep patterns.

If you’re struggling to sleep well during summer, consider booking an infrared sauna session. This gentle heat can support deeper sleep, mimicking the natural rhythms that support a vital, high-quality rest.

Conclusion

Since summer is asking more from your body than you may realise, it’s essential to give it the support it deserves throughout the sizzling season. From increasing your hydration levels to fighting inflammation through targeted natural therapies, you can find strategic ways to counteract the extra strain heat places on the systems that keep you energised, focused, and feeling your best. Find support for your health throughout those long summer days at ReGen Wellness.