KUSA — Researchers gave 44 students memory, attention and math tests to see what happens over a 12-day period before, during and after a heat wave during the summer.
Twenty two of the college-aged students lived in air-conditioned dorms while 20 students lived in dorms without air-conditioning. The students were given two tests every morning on their phones to test their ability to process information quickly, as well as basic addition and subtraction tests.
The group without the air-conditioning did 13 percent worse on both tests during and even after the heat wave.
Although the temperature was only on average about 8 degrees warmer for these students, their performance on these skills tests was much worse than the students living in air-conditioned areas.
What does this mean for us?
Most studies usually look at the effects of heat on older people, but this study shows that as the temperature rises, even young and healthy people are affected by the hot weather.
Even when the temperatures cool down, the slow down in our ability to perform tasks still remains. Researchers think this may be related to the buildings we live in still retaining heat and staying warm, even when the air temperatures are lower.
Although we all may feel a bit “slower” paced during the summer, this study shows that our work and home temperatures really do impact our ability to think and process information rapidly.
So, if you live or work in an environment without air-conditioning, go ahead and try to head to the nearest mall or coffee shop to get that cooling effect.
Turns out, you might be able to work and think better.
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