Latest news with #DrLalitaaSuglani
BreakingNews.ie
10-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Why does hot weather make you feel tired?
As temperatures rise significantly across Ireland, you might find yourself yawning more often at your desk and finding it harder to stay focused. This sense of tiredness and sluggishness isn't just the result of a poor night's sleep – it could actually be your body working harder to cope with the shift in temperature. Advertisement We spoke with experts to uncover how hot weather impacts our bodies and why it often leaves us feeling drained and tired. What physiological changes happen in the body when it's hot that contribute to feelings of fatigue? On a hot day, your body has to work hard to keep cool 'When it's hot, the body must work harder to maintain homeostasis, which is defined as the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment,' explains Kieran Turner, a health and wellbeing physiologist. 'In order to do this, the heart has to exert more effort to circulate blood flow towards the skin so that heat can radiate away, contributing to an increased workload and therefore feelings of fatigue.' Dr Lalitaa Suglani, psychologist and author of High-Functioning Anxiety, agrees and adds: 'Psychologically, your body being under heat stress can cause a low-level survival response. 'The brain perceives the heat as a physiological stressor, leading to a dip in energy, motivation, and mental stamina – so your body is working harder. This can then impact on concentration and staying focused.' Advertisement What role does dehydration play in heat-related tiredness? 'Dehydration plays a significant role in heat-related fatigue by disrupting multiple physiological systems,' says Turner. 'It impairs the body's ability to thermoregulate through efficient sweating, compromises nutrient transport, and hinders ATP production, all of which reduce physical energy.' How does high temperatures impact brain function? Heat can reduce our alertness 'High temperatures negatively impact brain function and alertness by causing thermal stress that disrupts neurological functions,' says Turner. 'This effect is intensified by dehydration, which reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, impairing attention, memory and mental clarity. 'Additionally, heat often interferes with sleep quality, leading to increased daytime fatigue and decreased executive function.' Emotional fatigue can also set in during heatwaves, adds Suglani. Advertisement 'We become more irritable, less patient, and more mentally taxed simply because our body is trying to stay cool,' says Suglani. 'Emotional regulation takes more effort when the body is overheated, as this is not the body's priority.' Are some people more vulnerable to heat fatigue than others? 'The elderly have a less efficient thermoregulatory response which is amplified by their tendency to have lower levels of thirst, which can contribute to heightened dehydration and therefore fatigue,' explains Turner. 'Similarly, children have a less efficient thermoregulatory response, and because they have a greater surface area to body mass ratio, they may gain heat faster.' People with certain health conditions are also more vulnerable to heat fatigue. 'Those with cardiovascular diseases will have impaired blood flow, thus reducing their capability to thermoregulate through heat radiating away from their blood near the surface of their skin,' says Turner. 'Whilst those with diabetes may have damaged blood vessels and nerves, potentially inhibiting the person's sweat response if the nerves that control their sweat glands are damaged.' Advertisement Can hot weather disrupt your sleep patterns, and if so, how does that affect fatigue during the day? A heatwave can disrupt sleep, leaving you feeling sluggish 'When it's too warm, people often experience restless sleep, frequent awakenings, or difficulty falling asleep at all or do not enter into the deeper sleep where we process,' says Suglani. 'This leads to cumulative sleep debt, which has a direct impact on mood, attention, and daytime energy levels. 'Many people report feeling sluggish, unmotivated, or even more anxious during heatwaves due to this disrupted sleep.' Are there times of day when heat fatigue is more pronounced? 'The body's natural temperature typically peaks in the late afternoon, which often coincides with the hottest part of the day, making heat fatigue more pronounced when these two factors combine,' says Turner. Here are some ways to stay energised during a heatwave… Advertisement Stay hydrated Sip water throughout the day 'Hydrate often, even mild dehydration impacts mental clarity and mood,' says Suglani. 'Keep on top of water, have it next to you and keep sipping.' Take breaks 'Take micro-rests throughout the day, not just physically but mentally too,' advises Suglani. 'Step away from screens, overstimulation, demanding tasks and your phone.' Try some cooling techniques 'A cold compress on the wrists or neck can reduce body temperature and ease overstimulation,' says Suglani. Modify expectations 'Understand that your energy will naturally dip, and give yourself permission to slow down and not put these high expectations on doing all your things, as most likely you won't be able to,' suggests Suglani. 'Offer compassion to yourself.' Avoid overstimulation 'Loud noise, bright lights, and high demands drain more energy when you're already heat-fatigued,' says Suglani. Practise breath work Take short, slow breaths 'Short, slow breathing helps reset the nervous system and regulate fatigue, especially as our breathing can be impacted too by the heat,' says Suglani. Eat lighter meals 'Lighter meals help prevent additional internal heat production,' notes Turner.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
5 psychological tricks to make someone fall for you instantly and the 4 big conversation mistakes you want to avoid
FED up of never making it past the first date? Four dating and relationship experts have revealed the insider tricks that set pulses racing. From the two colours you should wear, to the words you should effortlessly drop into conversation - there's no reason why a second date - and more - won't be on the cards... 5 5 Red nail theory 'Red is seen as the colour of passion, love and desire [and] a subtle touch, like a red lipstick, can have a strong effect,' on your date, Dating coach and relationship expert, James Preece. 'The red nail theory on social media taps into this idea, where women paint their nails red for the same reason. 'Black is also a strong colour option for a date outfit. It's flattering to most people and adds a touch of mystery and sophistication.' Dr. Lalitaa Suglani, an eharmony relationship and award-winning psychologist, reveals the evidence behind the red nail theory. ' The colour red has long been associated with passion, desire, and attraction,' she says. 'Biologically, red is a powerful visual cue as it mimics physical signs of arousal like flushed skin or lips, which are subconsciously linked to health, fertility, and vitality. 'That's why red often evokes desire and draws attention. 'Culturally, red has also long been associated with sexuality and confidence, think red lipstick, red dresses, red roses. It's a colour we've been conditioned to associate with attraction.' Triangle gaze 'Eye contact is already very powerful when it comes to effective communication, but if you want to turn up the intimacy without saying a single word, try out the triangle gaze technique,' Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at Lovehoney suggests. 'This involves alternating eye contact between their left and right eyes and lips. This is a subtle way to signal romantic interest and instantly creates a sense of closeness between you both. 'But, don't overdo it as it can come across a little creepy - just hold their eye contact slightly longer than normal, and sprinkle in a few soft glances to their lips. 'It's very flirty and can be incredibly effective.' Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert for also recommends the 'triple nod'. 'When your date is talking, use the triple nod - it's a subtle cue that shows you're engaged, encouraging them to open up and feel validated, which adds a feeling of emotional closeness.' Keywords to whisper 'Words can create deeper emotional bonds and desire', Dr. Lalitaa says. But flirting successfully and increasing desire 'aren't just about compliments, they're about making the other person feel something meaningful'. The expert adds: 'It's less about being slick and more about being emotionally engaging.' And there are a couple of words you can drop into conversation when you're next on a date… 5 1. 'Imagine' 'This engages the mind in future possibilities. For example, 'imagine us doing this again on a beach somewhere.'' 2. 'Feel' 'Emotionally charged language increases intimacy. The word 'feel' is a great example of this. 'I love how easy it feels to talk to you.'' 3. 'We' 'We' creates a sense of connection and shared experience. You could say something like 'we're really vibing tonight.'' Jessica also suggests using the other person's name in conversation: 'This works like a charm because using someone's name sparingly throughout a chat triggers feelings of intimacy and attentiveness.' There are also ' certain phrases that land better on a potential new partner compared to generic compliments," Annabelle mentions. 'Such as 'I've never told anyone this before' or 'You just understand me' or 'I always feel better around you', as these invite emotional intimacy, make them feel special, and create emotional memories,' she says. 'Steer clear of heavy or negative topics early on in your talking phase, such as exes and family dramas. Instead, you want your connection to flourish organically with a foundation of joy and curiosity and remember to keep it sincere.' Mystery over mind games 'Some men wait to reply to gauge your interest,' James says. 'But the truth is, dating isn't a competition. You're both trying to find a connection and should both be on the same team. 'If you're free and want to reply, just do it. Being authentic is more attractive than playing hard to get.' James, who is also an author at HeraHaven, has advice for anyone dating someone who is poor at texting: 'Show the communication style you'd like to receive, rather than punishing them. But don't appear too keen. If you're interested in the other person, let them know, and make it clear you have other options. 'Many men enjoy the chase, so give them space to take the lead. If you are too keen, then it might make them question things. So get the balance right.' Whatever you do, avoid displaying 'hot and cold behaviour,' because James says this is 'one of the worst mind games' to play when dating. 'Intense interest one day and ghosting the next. This can be a red flag that they are emotionally unavailable, but they do it to make you desire them more,' he adds. Annabelle offers advice from a female perspective: 'I'm not saying you should be a closed book, but leaving a little bit of mystery can leave people wanting more of you. Conversation sins to avoid Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for shared her advice... Talking too much about yourself – focusing on yourself kills connection. What you want to aim for is balance, and show genuine interest in their life and stories. Interrogation-style questions – rapid-fire questioning can make someone feel like they're in an interview which can be really off-putting. Keep the flow natural and conversational, rather than asking continuous questions. Showing off – confidence is sexy but make sure it doesn't come across as bragging. People find it easier to connect with others who are relatable, and showing off can have a negative effect on the way you're perceived. Using tired pick-up lines or overly rehearsed compliments – it's so important to be sincere because generic flattery often feels hollow. Compliments can be great confidence boosters, but make sure they're specific to them so they don't feel you've said it a million times before. 'Don't hurry to respond to every single message or reveal everything about yourself in your first few interactions; let them discover layers of you over time. 'A little bit of unpredictability creates intrigue - but not to the point that you become frustrating or rude - and intrigue can be irresistible. 'The key here is to balance warmth with just the right amount of distance to leave them curious.' Perfect date length 'The sweet spot for a first date is typically 60 to 90 minutes,' Dr. Lalitaa points out. 'Long enough to build a connection and get beyond surface-level conversation, but short enough to leave space for curiosity and anticipation.' Less than two hours might seem super short but 'it's all about emotional pacing'. 'You want to end a date on a high note (rather than dragging it out) - it keeps energy and interest alive, which is essential for building momentum,' she adds. 'A date that's too long can lead to fatigue or oversharing, while too short might not allow for emotional safety to form.' Instead, you want to focus on 'creating a space that feels enjoyable, emotionally safe, and leaves room for 'what next?''. As for what is the best date, James says many 'men like to do something active like bowling, axe throwing or mini golf, because this gives them a chance to show off their skills and try to impress the other person. Not to mention, highlight their playful side'. On the flip side, 'a simple date like going for a drink is often ideal for the first time meeting up, because there's no pressure and it's much easier to get to know each other in a relaxed environment'. 'That way, you can save the activities for the second date when you know each other slightly better and feel there is already a spark there,' he adds.
