#Health #Summer #Women #Heat #Dehydration
In Kathmandu, as the heat of summer affects everyone, recent research has shown that women tend to feel hotter than men and experience fatigue more quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, women tend to perceive heat more intensely.
The rise in body temperature during hot weather can lead to dehydration due to sweating, causing a decrease in the body’s water content. This can result in dehydration, leading to a decrease in electrolyte levels. This imbalance can disrupt the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, manifesting as muscle weakness and fatigue.
For women, this effect can be more pronounced due to factors like menstrual cycles, which can cause fluctuations in hormone levels affecting their energy levels. Women often feel hotter, more fatigued, and irritable during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Another major factor contributing to fatigue in women during hot weather is sleep deprivation. Research indicates that women need an average of 8 minutes more sleep than men, but societal responsibilities, stress, and hormonal fluctuations can lead to lower quality sleep in women, exacerbating fatigue and mental stress.
In instances where women experience fatigue in hot weather, certain medical conditions may also be responsible. Women may exhibit signs of anemia due to lower iron levels, leading to fatigue. Additionally, conditions like hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome can exacerbate the effects of heat on women.
To cope with the heat, it is essential for women to stay hydrated, consume a balanced diet, including foods rich in water content, avoid junk food, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, get enough sleep, practice meditation to reduce stress, and engage in light exercises. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking timely medical advice can help mitigate the impact of heat-related fatigue on women.
Opinion from Ramesh Khatri, representative of Kansai Nepal News: “The findings highlighting the increased perception of heat and fatigue among women compared to men underscore the importance of addressing the unique physiological and social factors that contribute to these experiences. By emphasizing proper nutrition, adequate rest, and regular health check-ups, women can potentially minimize the effects of heat-related fatigue.”
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 21, 2025 7:01 pm
