People are complaining of summer fatigue, increase in cases of fainting. How to avoid fainting as temperatures continue to rise?

The department warned such people to be careful of heatstroke, sunstroke, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and other heat-related illnesses.

Doctors have said that as summer temperatures soar, so does the risk of fainting — a condition medically known as syncope.

The doctors stressed that it is important for the public to be aware of the possible risks of venturing out in the extreme heat and also know the strategies for coping with extreme heat and ensuring the well-being of individuals, especially those who may be more vulnerable.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a noted neurologist from Hyderabad’s Apollo Hospital, told South First: “The technical term is vasovagal syncope, and the commonly used term is fainting. It can occur in all seasons but is more common in summer.”

Also Read: Union Health Ministry issues advisory on preventing hospital fires during summer

Why do people feel tired in summer?

Doctors explained that feeling tired or faint during summer might be a common issue in every household and office setup.

“There are many reasons for this other than heat and humidity,” said Dr Sanjay G, a physician from Jayanagar in Bengaluru.

He said, “The humidity and heat can put extra strain on the body, which is trying to maintain a stable internal temperature. This happens through sweating and this thermoregulatory process takes more energy leading to tiredness,”

Other than this, humidity doesn’t let the body cool faster and that also causes fatigue.

Another reason doctors mentioned as a common culprit behind summer fatigue was dehydration.

“Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive functions, reduce concentration, and increase irritability,” said Dr Ravindra, a nephrologist from Ballari in Karnataka.

“It is important to drink more fluids during summer to replenish the water lost through sweat and to keep the body’s systems functioning properly, especially kidneys,” he added.

Meanwhile, longer daylight hours and humid weather even at night could lead to erratic sleep patterns. The delay in the production of melatonin — the hormone responsible for sleep — due to long daylight hours can shift the circadian rhythm.

This can make it harder for a person to fall asleep and lead to fewer sleep hours, contributing to daytime tiredness.

Interestingly, what one eats also contributes to fatigue, said experts. Nutritionist Remya Menon explained that many people tend to consume cold, sugary drinks or treats like ice cream during summer, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, impacting fatigue.

Also Read: Why do your muscles cramp more during summer?

What are some reasons behind fainting?

The main reason people faint during summer is that there is more heat throughout this season, and that causes vasodilatation.

Sudhir explained: “This means that the blood vessels — veins and arteries — dilate, increasing blood flow to the arms and legs while reducing it to the heart. Consequently, the heart cannot pump an adequate amount of blood.”

He continued: “As a result, the heart must work harder to send blood to the brain — particularly when a person is standing. If the blood volume and blood pressure are low, the heart cannot manage this, leading to fainting.”

Sometimes, a person may be dehydrated due to hot weather, which could be a reason for low blood pressure. This condition may occur if the person has been standing for a long time, exercising, or has not consumed sufficient food or fluids.

Additionally, individuals taking blood-pressure-lowering drugs — especially those with hypertension — have a higher risk of experiencing syncope, particularly in the summer.

This phenomenon — often referred to as “summer syncope syndrome” — has been documented in research papers. While it can also occur in winter, it is less common then. It can lead to the skin becoming cold, pale, and sweaty.

After falling, a person may briefly lose consciousness — up to one or two minutes — before waking up. When the person goes unconscious, there may be an upward rolling of the eyeballs.

Also Read: Doctors stress need for precautionary measures as temperatures rise

Preventive measures

What steps can be taken to prevent fainting? What other precautions should be taken in summer? Doctors suggest that people should:

• Stay well-hydrated at all times
• Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high
• Avoid going out in the sun or working outside, especially between noon and 3 pm
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes
• Use protective goggles, an umbrella or hat, and shoes or chappals while going out in the sun
• Carry water while travelling
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body
• Those taking medication for blood pressure should discuss their current dosage with their physician
• Try to stay in the shade instead of standing in direct sunlight, especially in a queue
• Complete exercises early in the morning or shift it to the evening.

Also Read: Is cold water your go-to drink to quench that summer thirst?

When someone faints

What should one do when someone faints? Doctors had some advice on that as well.

• Do not sit or stand them up: Keep the person lying down.
• Raise their legs: This helps blood flow back to the heart, allowing it to pump blood to the brain, aiding in regaining consciousness.
• Avoid pouring water into their mouth: When unconscious, the person could aspirate and develop pneumonia.
• Provide hydration upon awakening: Once the person is conscious, offer them water or juice.
• Monitor blood pressure: Hospitalisation may be necessary if the blood pressure remains very low.
• Safety first: Fainting is generally not life-threatening unless the person sustains injuries from a fall. Without injuries, there is no risk to life.
• No medication needed: Syncope or fainting typically does not require medication.
• Distinguish from seizures: Note that jerking movements of legs and hands should not be confused with epileptic attacks or seizures.

Post-faint, individuals regain full consciousness and orientation, unlike post-seizure disorientation.

(Edited by Arkadev Ghoshal)