The UK has experienced one of the hottest Junes on record, with temperatures having reached highs close to 40C this week. As the hot weather continues for another day, UK Google searches for ‘seasonal affective disorder‘ have surged by 285% within the past 24 hours, reflecting growing public interest in the impact of extreme heat on wellbeing.
In light of the surge of interest, experts have highlighted how seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be triggered by hot weather. Dr Corné Hurter, Medical Director for Services and Delivery, AXA Health insurance, has urged the nation to recognise the main signs and symptoms of summer ‘summer SAD’.
Severe heatwaves and high humidity are recognised as significant contributors to summer SAD. Although it is not as common as winter depression, approximately 10% of those with seasonal mood disorders experience summer SAD.
While the exact cause remains unknown, the condition is strongly linked to exposure to sunlight. Throughout the summer months, SAD can be triggered through intense heat, social pressure to be active, disrupted sleep and routines. As well as physiological stress, disruptions in brain chemistry, and physical confinement.
Dr Hurter said: “While summer SAD is less common than its winter counterpart, prolonged periods of hot weather can affect mental wellbeing in a number of ways. Heat can disrupt sleep, increase physical stress on the body and interfere with normal daily routines, all of which may contribute to symptoms associated with summer SAD in some individuals.”
View 2 ImagesSAD is a type of depression (stock image)
The NHS says SAD is a type of depression, and treatments include antidepressants, talking therapies and light therapy. It says: “The main symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that happens in the winter and goes away in the summer. Some people have depression symptoms in summer instead, but this is less common.”
Dr Hurter has outlined the main symptoms of SAD to be aware of in summer.
Heightened emotions. “Individuals with SAD often experience stronger emotional reactions, feeling more tearful, irritable, anxious or angrier than usual,” she said. “Their language and thoughts may be more negative, reflecting feelings of despair, worthlessness, or guilt.”
Decreased energy levels. “People suffering from SAD often struggle to get out of bed in the morning and feel unusually lethargic throughout the day,” she said. “This can be due to the heat disrupting our sleep at night.
“Even routine tasks may feel exhausting, and there is a strong desire to sleep more than usual. This lack of energy can make it difficult to maintain normal daily routines, work responsibilities, and social interactions throughout the heatwave.”
Changes in appetite. “Many individuals suffering from SAD experience increased cravings for comfort foods, such as chocolate and high-carbohydrate snacks,” she said. “These foods can quickly spike blood sugar and insulin, leaving them feeling low afterwards.
“Individuals suffering from summer SAD commonly eat and sleep more often. Therefore, changes to eating patterns and sleep schedules are often a telltale sign of SAD.”
Dr Hurter reveals her top three tips for managing symptoms of SAD this summer:
Eat a diet rich in vitamins. “When suffering from SAD, it is essential to eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals,” she said. “Meals such as oatmeal, omelettes with egg whites, lean chicken or turkey and snacks like popcorn, peanut butter and nuts are all feel-good foods and can stimulate serotonin levels. Caffeine should be avoided, as it suppresses serotonin and can increase the severity of symptoms.”
Establish a sleep routine. “Quality sleep is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing, all the more so when heat disrupts our internal body clocks,” she said. “Create a calm sleeping environment, establish a wind-down routine such as reading, limit screen time, have a fan for a cool night and avoid caffeine.”
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Stay cool and hydrated. “Extreme temperatures can make us feel both physically and mentally drained,” she said. “It may sound simple, but closing blinds or curtains during peak sunshine hours and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help manage symptoms.
“This is especially important for individuals taking prescribed SSRIs or antidepressants, which can interfere with the brain’s temperature-regulating centre, lowering heat tolerance and increasing sweat production.”