Why Heat Intolerance is Harder for Sensitive and Neurodivergent People by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

For many people, warm weather can feel pleasant or invigorating. But for those of us who are sensitive (and even more if also neurodivergent), heat intolerance can pose a serious challenge. When exposed to higher temperatures, we often have heightened sensory processing, making us more vulnerable to discomfort and stress.

1. Heightened Sensory Sensitivity

As a sensitive and neurodivergent person, I experience the world more intensely. This heightened sensory awareness can amplify the body's response to temperature. When it's hot, the physical sensations of warmth, humidity, and sweating can be overwhelming, triggering sensory overload. The discomfort can feel unbearable, making it difficult to concentrate or relax.

2. Nervous System Overload

Our nervous systems tend to be more reactive. When exposed to heat, the body’s stress response can be triggered more quickly, leading to irritability, anxiety, or even a shutdown. Managing emotional and physiological responses can be hard when the heat pushes our system beyond its comfort zone.

3. Difficulty with Body Temperature Regulation

Some of us, especially those on the autism spectrum, struggle with interoception—the body’s ability to perceive internal cues like hunger, thirst, or temperature. This can make it harder to recognize signs of overheating or dehydration, which can lead to further discomfort or even heat-related illnesses before realizing the need to cool down.

4. Impacts on Emotional Regulation

When the body overheats, emotions often become more challenging to regulate. Frustration, irritability, and anxiety rise as body temperature increases. Because we already work harder to manage our emotional states, the added stress of heat can make emotional regulation even more challenging.

5. Fatigue and Low Functioning

Hot weather drains my energy quickly, leaving me exhausted and unable to function. During these times, I’ve learned how important it is to lower my expectations of myself. It’s okay to slow down and do less, especially when heat impacts my ability to function. Practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that I’m doing my best, even if it’s less than usual, helps me cope.

How Electrolytes Ended My Headaches/Migraines

I moved to a cooler area to help manage my heat intolerance. However, a recent heatwave reminded me how much I still struggle with high temperatures, leaving me feeling irritable, drained, and less productive. In the past, I also used to get daily headaches from the heat until I found these specific Buoy electrolytes—they’ve been a game-changer for me!

Heat intolerance is a real struggle for many of us. I think it’s important to share our challenges to validate each other’s experiences, which helps us be kinder to ourselves. The Sensitive Empowerment Community members shared their experiences with heat intolerance, revealing how strongly weather affects their well-being, particularly during hotter months. Many expressed that the rising temperatures leave them feeling exhausted, irritable, and confined indoors, limiting their ability to participate in social activities. Several members also noted that their sensitivity to heat has increased with age, highlighting how the community helps them validate these changes and discover solutions.

This collective reflection within the group offers a safe space where members can openly discuss challenges without fear of judgment. Having a supportive environment to share experiences normalizes these sensitivities and removes any associated stigma, allowing individuals to feel understood and less isolated. This is one of many conversations in The Sensitive Empowerment Community where talking about our experiences feels validating. 

Do you relate to heat intolerance?  Has this been helpful or validating?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For many people, warm weather can feel pleasant or invigorating. But for those of us who are sensitive (and even more if also neurodivergent), heat intolerance can pose a serious challenge. When exposed to higher temperatures, we often have heightened sensory processing, making us more vulnerable to discomfort and stress.

1. Heightened Sensory Sensitivity

As a sensitive and neurodivergent person, I experience the world more intensely. This heightened sensory awareness can amplify the body's response to temperature. When it's hot, the physical sensations of warmth, humidity, and sweating can be overwhelming, triggering sensory overload. The discomfort can feel unbearable, making it difficult to concentrate or relax.

2. Nervous System Overload

Our nervous systems tend to be more reactive. When exposed to heat, the body’s stress response can be triggered more quickly, leading to irritability, anxiety, or even a shutdown. Managing emotional and physiological responses can be hard when the heat pushes our system beyond its comfort zone.

3. Difficulty with Body Temperature Regulation

Some of us, especially those on the autism spectrum, struggle with interoception—the body’s ability to perceive internal cues like hunger, thirst, or temperature. This can make it harder to recognize signs of overheating or dehydration, which can lead to further discomfort or even heat-related illnesses before realizing the need to cool down.

4. Impacts on Emotional Regulation

When the body overheats, emotions often become more challenging to regulate. Frustration, irritability, and anxiety rise as body temperature increases. Because we already work harder to manage our emotional states, the added stress of heat can make emotional regulation even more challenging.

5. Fatigue and Low Functioning

Hot weather drains my energy quickly, leaving me exhausted and unable to function. During these times, I’ve learned how important it is to lower my expectations of myself. It’s okay to slow down and do less, especially when heat impacts my ability to function. Practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that I’m doing my best, even if it’s less than usual, helps me cope.

How Electrolytes Ended My Headaches/Migraines

I moved to a cooler area to help manage my heat intolerance. However, a recent heatwave reminded me how much I still struggle with high temperatures, leaving me feeling irritable, drained, and less productive. In the past, I also used to get daily headaches from the heat until I found these specific electrolytes—they’ve been a game-changer for me!

Heat intolerance is a real struggle for many of us. I think it’s important to share our challenges to validate each other’s experiences, which helps us be kinder to ourselves. The Sensitive Empowerment Community members shared their experiences with heat intolerance, revealing how strongly weather affects their well-being, particularly during hotter months. Many expressed that the rising temperatures leave them feeling exhausted, irritable, and confined indoors, limiting their ability to participate in social activities. Several members also noted that their sensitivity to heat has increased with age, highlighting how the community helps them validate these changes and discover solutions.

This collective reflection within the group offers a safe space where members can openly discuss challenges without fear of judgment. Having a supportive environment to share experiences normalizes these sensitivities and removes any associated stigma, allowing individuals to feel understood and less isolated. This is one of many conversations in The Sensitive Empowerment Community where talking about our experiences feels validating. 

Do you relate to heat intolerance?  Has this been helpful or validating?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I also invite you to join our Sensitive Empowerment Community, where we share our experiences and support each other in managing sensitivities. You can also check out my recommended products for sensitive people, including the electrolytes I mentioned and other sensory-friendly recommendations to help you stay balanced and comfortable.

I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT

Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and adult-discovered autism. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. LGBTQIA+ and Neuroaffirming. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

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