Extreme Heat on the Brain: How to Think in the Heat

If you’ve ever felt like you can’t think straight or concentrate on a task when it’s hot and humid, you’re not alone.

Many individuals experience this brain fog when temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels, and with summer approaching, it becomes even more of a concern.

There is a growing body of research that demonstrates how environmental conditions — and heat in particular — can affect mental performance. A 2006 study showed that an increase in indoor temperature can reduce work productivity in the office. Researchers evaluated how well participants carried out common office tasks and saw that there is a consistent decrease in performance when the temperature rises above 75.2°F.