Heat and Mental Health: Staying Well This Summer

Amber heat health alerts are in place across parts of the UK this week, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s in some areas. When the weather turns extreme like this, heat and mental health become closely connected. Hot conditions don't just affect our bodies, they affect our mood, our sleep and our ability to cope with everyday life.

Sleep and mental health

Sleep is often the first thing to suffer in hot weather, and poor sleep quickly affects mood, concentration and patience. As a result, periods of extreme heat can leave people feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed, even when nothing else in their life has changed.

Below, we've shared some simple, practical information and ways to look after your wellbeing, along with guidance on where to turn if you need extra support

Medication and hot weather 

Some medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, can affect how your body manages heat. If you take lithium, it's especially important to keep a close eye on your fluid intake and to know the signs of lithium toxicity.

If you have any concerns, speak to your GP or pharmacist's they are there to support you.

Keeping your home cool 

A hot home makes it much harder to rest, sleep and recover, which is why small changes matter. During the day, close curtains and blinds on sunny-facing windows. Then, once the air outside has cooled in the evening, open your windows and consider moving to the coolest room in your home to sleep.

Staying hydrated in the heat 

Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, concentration and energy, and we lose fluids faster than we realise when it's hot. Try to drink regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Water, diluted squash and lower-fat milks are all good choices, while alcohol and sugary drinks can dehydrate you further.

Planning your day around the heat 

The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm, and spending time in direct heat during those hours puts real strain on both body and mind. Wherever possible, save walks, exercise or time outdoors for the cooler hours of early morning or evening. If you do need to go out in the middle of the day, loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat will help.

Extra support for neurodivergent people 

Extreme heat can disrupt transport, services and daily routines, and this disruption can be especially hard for autistic and ADHD people. If things start to feel overwhelming, remember that you don't have to manage it alone. Support is available whenever you need it.

Checking in on the people around you 

Older adults, young children, people with long-term health conditions and those living alone are all at greater risk during hot weather. Because of this, a simple text, phone call or knock on the door can make a genuine difference to someone who's struggling.

Getting support when you need it 

Heat can make mental health difficulties harder to cope with, but you don't need to face it alone. Our services remain open for support throughout this heatwave, and you can find out more by visiting our mental health support page. Visit our Mental Health Information Hub for more support with your mental health or find out more about our mental health services.

If you feel physically unwell because of the heat, don't wait to get help.

Call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.