Thermoregulation in the Age of Climate Change: Why Stabilizing Body Temperature is Mission Critical
The following guest article is by a longtime personal and professional friend, Duane "Buck" Buckner. Enjoy!
- Justin
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Thermoregulation is Non-Negotiable
Why Does Being "Hot" Agitate Us?
Have you ever wondered why being “hot” feels so annoying? A better term to describe this discomfort might be “agitation.” This state of restlessness makes it difficult to sit still or focus, even when doing something enjoyable.
But this feeling isn’t about what we’re doing—it’s about what’s being done to us.
The Science of Agitation
This isn’t behavioral; it’s mechanical. Humans thrive within a narrow temperature range called the “thermal neutral zone,” between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (with low humidity and wind).
That’s just a 9-degree window. Outside this range, the body starts working to maintain a safe, stable temperature. This physiological effort introduces a critical factor: stress.
Stress: A Survival Mechanism
Stress often gets a bad reputation, especially when we think of its long-term effects on health. But in the short term, acute stress—a product of the sympathetic nervous system—is a vital survival mechanism.
Acute Stress vs. Chronic Stress
Acute stress is the body’s immediate response to danger, lifting us out of homeostasis and triggering rapid changes to prepare for action. Unlike chronic stress, which can lead to health problems, acute stress is meant to protect us in emergencies.
What Happens Under Acute Stress?
Under acute stress, our bodies simplify their functions to eliminate delays in decision-making. This is why stress doesn’t make us feel smarter or more capable—it makes us react faster, often with fight, flight, or surrender.
The Role of Thermoregulation in Stress
Thermoregulation is one of the most persistent threats to our body’s homeostasis. Our nervous system constantly monitors temperature changes—room to room, minute to minute—not for comfort but for survival.
Why Heat Feels Agitating
When you feel hot, your body interprets this as a signal of potential danger. Agitation is your nervous system urging you to take action, such as cooling down or changing your environment. Ignoring these cues can lead to serious consequences, from discomfort to heat exhaustion or even unconsciousness.
The Operational Importance of Thermoregulation
In any environment requiring full mental and physical performance, maintaining a stable body temperature is vital. Thermoregulation impacts decision-making, physical endurance, and overall safety.
The Risks of Ignoring Thermoregulation
Heat stress can quickly escalate. A person can go from feeling uncomfortable to unconscious in minutes. This rapid progression underscores the importance of responding to your body’s signals.
Why Thermoregulation is Non-Negotiable
Our bodies crave thermal stability for survival, not comfort. In operational or high-performance environments, this stability is mission-critical.
Ignoring thermoregulation compromises not just physical health but also cognitive function and overall performance. It’s not just important—it’s essential.
Thermoregulation is non-negotiable.
About the author: After a 25 year career in the military, Buck now serves as the Director of Training for Aimpoint Inc. and spends his time teaching the professional market both in the United States and abroad.
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