Darci Marchese, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Turns out many people get extra cranky when it is hot outside, but that’s not just a bad mood, it has a name.
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD occurs in the winter time but some say it can happen in the sweltering heat of the summer too.
Web MD says SAD affects 4 to 6 percent of the U.S. population when the days get shorter and colder. But about 10 percent of the population experiences signs of SAD in the summertime.
Hot days certainly take a toll on our bodies and can test our tempers, says Nancy Molitor, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral science at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
The heat could mean you’re not sleeping well. Being cooped up inside the air conditioning could also contribute to a worsening mood in hot weather.
Generally, people just notice being in a bad mood, but in very serious cases it can lead to anxiousness and suicidal thoughts.
Live Science suggests plenty of hydration and making sure to listen to your body and of course seek medical help if you’re suffering from more than the blues.
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