Researchers from the Australian National University have found that a short afternoon nap, or siesta, can help people cope with heat more effectively. The findings were published in The Lancet: Planetary Health, a member of The Lancet family of journals.
Extreme heat often worsens how someone feels and, in severe cases, can contribute to dangerous conditions like heart attacks, since the heart must work harder in hot conditions.
The study authors note that taking a nap during the hottest part of the day appears to support the body’s ability to adapt to heat. This acclimatization process may take about 15 days, during which the body undergoes physiological changes, rebalances its systems, and reduces the adverse impact of high temperatures.
Notably, other strategies such as using air conditioning may not offer the same physiological benefits. Relying solely on cooling devices might even leave people more exposed when they step outdoors on unusually hot days.
Historical observers have long noted the relationship between extreme heat and mood, but modern research is illuminating the specific ways the body adjusts to heat stress over time.