More tropical nights are ahead of us. These people can be very harmful

Tropical night occurs more and more often after a hot day and has a number of negative consequences for our body. It causes trouble falling asleep, irritability, distraction, shortness of breath and excessive sweating. After such a night, we do not feel refreshed and regenerated. We explain how a tropical night affects us and for whom it can be dangerous.

1. Record temperatures this summer mean that we are dealing more and more often with tropical nights. According to the definition of the Met Office, these are nights when the temperature at night does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius
2. High temperatures at night have a negative effect on our body and psyche. City dwellers suffer the most, especially the elderly and the sick
3. Tropical temperatures not only cause problems with falling asleep, but also irritability, fatigue, distraction and even aggression. Police statistics show an increase in crime in hot weather
4. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

How does a tropical night affect our well-being? We are tired

Tropical nights are a normal phenomenon in the tropical zone, but until recently they happened quite rarely in Poland. Climate warming has meant that we are dealing with them more and more often – they usually appear from June to the end of August.

Hot nights have a negative effect on our body. The heat, which also persists at night, does not allow our body to rest and regenerate.

It is extremely difficult to fall asleep on a tropical night, and even when we do, it is difficult for us to sleep. People who do not have air conditioning at home are tired, dehydrated and irritable after such a night. They also have trouble concentrating and feeling uncomfortable. It can make you feel depressed.

The heat also increases aggressive behavior. People become more nervous and even more prone to violence. Police statistics show that the number of crimes committed increases during hot days. Higher temperatures make it easier to get angry. After a series of hot days, minor misunderstandings can end in big quarrels.

This is due to heat stress, i.e. overheating of the body. The human physiological response to temperature changes is the reduction of physical and mental efficiency. Its symptoms may resemble those of intoxication.

High temperature at night bothers these groups the most

City dwellers have a particular problem, as common concrete surfaces become very hot and increase indoor temperatures.

It is the inhabitants of the urban heat islands that suffer from insomnia because of the heat when concrete streets and housing estates “give off” heat at night. Opening the window does not give much, and the heated walls work almost like a radiator. Therefore, the temperature in cities is usually higher than in undeveloped areas.

A hot, steamy night in such an apartment does not give rest. A tropical night is all the more tiring as it follows a hot day. It is felt especially strongly by the elderly and the sick.

Older people become dehydrated quickly, and they do not feel hungry or thirsty as they get older. They also take medications that increase the risk of dehydration and often suffer from illnesses (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) made worse by heat.

How to deal with the heat of the night? Such methods are given by experts

To avoid dehydration, on a tropical night you should have a glass of water by your bedside and drink plenty of fluids. The fastest way to get the desired temperature is air conditioning, but for many people it is still too expensive an investment.

You can install a special sun protection film mounted on the outside of the windows, which reflects the sun’s rays and protects the room from heating. Roller blinds will also bring relief, as they limit the access of sunlight to our house, and during the winter they will protect the apartment from the cold. Fans that put the air in strong motion will also help temporarily, giving the impression of cooling.

One of the ways to get hot is to open the windows on two opposite sides of the apartment – to space. The apartment will then be ventilated and cooled, because the air will be exchanged as a result of the pressure difference. This method is best used in the second half of the night, when the earth has already given up its heat.

As a way to fight the heat, it is also suggested to hang wet curtains or sleep under a damp towel.