Is there a "hot" relationship between depression and body temperature? What the latest research shows
Hello, it's John! How is everyone doing?
Today, I would like to talk about some interesting research, which may be a little surprising, about depression, which is sometimes called the "common cold of the mind," and our "body temperature."
You might be thinking, "What, depression and body temperature? What's the connection?" But recent research has revealed that there may be a surprising connection between the two. Perhaps the small signs our bodies give us tell us about our emotional state.
Actually, the English article that this article was based on had a rather interesting line written on it: "If you don't like cold baths, this article is for you!" That's kind of intriguing, isn't it?
Do people with depression have higher body temperatures?
Some studies have shown that some people diagnosed with depression are more likely toYour core body temperature tends to be a little higherIt's been reported that.
Of course, this is a little different from "having a fever." It doesn't mean you have a high fever like when you have a cold, but rather that your body temperature may be slightly, but persistently, high.
Our bodies are designed to normally maintain a fairly constant body temperature. However, when you're depressed, this body temperature regulation system doesn't work as well as it should, and it's as if your body is constantly "idling" or in "trying a little too hard" mode.
Why does body temperature matter? Possible reasons
So why might a person with depression have a higher body temperature? We don't yet know for sure, but there are a few possible reasons.
- Link to inflammation
Simply put, inflammation is a state in which a small fire is burning inside the body. When you get injured, redness and swelling are also a type of inflammation. In fact, it has been discovered that some people with depression have chronic inflammation in their bodies. When inflammation occurs, the body is more likely to produce heat, so this may be one of the reasons for the rise in body temperature. - Autonomic nervous system disorder
The autonomic nervous system is an important nerve that controls the basic functions of the body, such as moving the heart, sweating, and regulating body temperature, regardless of our will. It is often compared to the "accelerator and brake of the body." If you are under a lot of stress or your life is irregular, the balance of this autonomic nervous system is easily disturbed. If the autonomic nervous system does not work well, body temperature regulation will not be smooth, and your body temperature will easily rise or, conversely, you may become too cold. - Metabolic changes
Metabolism is the chemical reaction in the body that converts the food we eat into energy and replaces old cells with new ones. It is thought that when you have depression, this metabolic process changes, making it harder for heat to escape from the body or, conversely, making too much heat.
These factors may be intricately intertwined and affecting each other.
How can we deal with body temperature well?
You may be wondering, "So, if I lower my body temperature, will my depression improve?" In fact, there are research reports that show that cooling the body (for example, by taking a cold shower or bathing in a cold bath) can temporarily improve mood.
But as I mentioned earlier, the original article said, "For people who don't like cold baths." What does this mean?
Maybe it's not just about cooling the body,Improve the ability to properly control body temperatureOur bodies have a wonderful thermoregulation mechanism that releases heat by sweating when it's hot, and shivers to generate heat when it's cold. Supporting this mechanism to work well may lead to better mental and physical health.
For example, this might give you a hint:
- Use of saunas and baths: It is said that if you warm up your body in a sauna or a hot bath, and then cool it down a little with a cold shower or an open-air bath, repeating this cycle, it will strengthen your autonomic nervous system and improve your body's ability to regulate your body temperature. However, don't overdo it, so be sure to consult with your own physical condition!
- Relax: Stress is the enemy of the autonomic nervous system. Taking time to relax by taking a deep breath, listening to your favorite music, or slowly sipping tea may help regulate your body temperature.
Of course, please note that this is just one general health method and is not a cure for depression. If you feel unwell mentally or physically, it is important to consult a specialist doctor.
Tips for maintaining body temperature in everyday life
Apart from treating depression, it is important for everyone to be aware of their own thermoregulation function in their daily lives. Here are some simple tips.
- Lead a regular life: Early to bed, early to rise, and a balanced diet are the basics for regulating the autonomic nervous system.
- Do moderate exercise: Moving your body within your limits, such as walking or light jogging, will improve your blood circulation and your body's ability to regulate its temperature.
- Pay attention to the room temperature: Being in an environment that is too hot or too cold puts a strain on the body. Use air conditioning effectively to keep the room temperature comfortable.
- Know your temperature: It might be a good idea to measure your basal body temperature every morning. It will give you an opportunity to notice your normal body temperature and any changes in it.
Even if it's a small thing, your body will surely respond if you keep doing it.
A word from John
Wow, this talk about "depression and body temperature" was really interesting! I once again felt that the "mind" and "body" are really closely connected. Although we don't usually pay much attention to our "body temperature," it may actually be a mirror that reflects our mental and physical state. I'm really looking forward to finding out more details in future research!
Everyone, listen to your body and stay healthy every day!
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
The Link Between Depression & Body Temperature, From
Research