Last summer on the Gold Coast, many families noticed the same pattern: more irritability, disrupted sleep, and emotional overload on hot days. What looked like sudden mood changes often had a clear trigger – heat anxiety.
Hot weather doesn’t just affect comfort. It places stress on the body and mind, making emotional regulation harder, particularly for people already managing disability, mental health challenges, or sensory sensitivities.
How Heat Anxiety Affects Emotional Wellbeing
Heat anxiety refers to the increase in anxious feelings, agitation, or emotional fatigue during periods of high temperature. Research shows extreme heat is linked to higher psychological distress and reduced emotional tolerance.
When the body works harder to regulate temperature, stress hormones rise and sleep quality drops. This combination can lead to increased anxiety, low frustration tolerance, and withdrawal from normal routines. For NDIS participants, these effects may appear more intense or frequent.
Why Families Notice Changes First
Families often notice heat-related anxiety before anyone else. Common signs include:
- Shorter emotional fuse
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased sensory sensitivity
- Resistance to daily activities
These changes are not behavioural “issues” but signals that support needs may shift during summer.
Supporting Wellbeing During Hot Weather
Simple adjustments can reduce heat anxiety:
- Schedule activities during cooler parts of the day
- Build in extra rest and recovery time
- Prioritise hydration and cool indoor spaces
- Adapt routines rather than forcing consistency
Flexible daily living support and recovery planning can help maintain stability during extended heat periods.
In conclusion
Heat anxiety is a real and measurable response to hot weather. As temperatures rise, emotional wellbeing requires the same attention as physical safety. With awareness and adaptive support, families can reduce anxiety and maintain routines even during extreme heat.
