There’s no feeling in this world worse than being hot, sweaty, and overstimulated — all at the same time. The minute the temperature rises above 87 degrees and I’m outside for an extended period of time, every sound begins to feel too loud, every touch feels too close, and every inconvenience feels too inconvenient.
One moment, I’m feeling cute and cuddly with my boyfriend on a patio. The next, I’m bothered by his leg pressing against mine. One moment, I’m enjoying a walk with my sweet angel dog. The next, I’m snapping at him for slightly tugging on the leash. There’s just something about being in the heat that brings out the worst in me — something I call my “sweat rage.”
Although sweat rage isn’t a recognized medical diagnosis, it’s a very real experience. In one recent TikTok video that has more than 30 million views, the content creator added the text “me turning into the worst person ever the second I step into the heat” over the video. In the comment section, almost 360,000 people liked the comment “heat aggression is so real.” (It is!)
“We know from actual research and clinical observation that heat, especially when it’s extreme, can impact your mood and your ability to regulate your emotions,” Maggie Williams, MD, a board-certified family physician, says. “If you feel more reactive or snappy when you’re hot, it’s likely that you are not imagining it.”
That said, feeling overheated isn’t an excuse to be an asshole. Fortunately, Dr. Williams has some tips on how to deal.
Experts Featured in This Article
Maggie Williams, MD, is a board-certified family physician and the medical director for virtual primary care at MD Live, by Evernorth.
What Is Sweat Rage?
Sweat rage is what happens when you get irrationally angry or annoyed more quickly because you’re hot. “The term speaks to that heightened irritability or short-fuse feeling you get when you’re overheated,” Dr. Williams says. If you’re experiencing sweat rage, you may feel less patient and in control than you normally would.
But why does this happen? According to Dr. Williams, it’s because your nervous system is in overdrive. “When your body is trying to regulate temperature, it’s under stress, even if you’re just sitting in the sun,” she says. “Your heart rate and cortisol levels rise, your blood vessels dilate, and your brain has to work harder to stay focused.”
“If you feel more reactive or snappy when you’re hot, it’s likely that you are not imagining it.”
Because of the way your body responds to this stress, it makes it harder for you to remain patient and calm. “Your nervous system simply has less bandwidth to deal with everyday stressors when you’re overheated,” Dr. Williams says.
If you have an existing condition like ADHD or are experiencing anxiety and PMS, these factors could also make your sweat rage feel more extreme. “People with conditions like anxiety or ADHD may already have a heightened sensitivity to discomfort or changes in their environment. Add heat to the mix, and it can push those symptoms into overdrive,” Dr. Williams says. “Hormonal fluctuations, like those during PMS, can also lower your threshold for stress, so you’re more likely to feel overwhelmed or agitated when you’re hot.”
How to Work Through Your Sweat Rage
If you’re experiencing sweat rage, searching for the nearest air conditioner may be in your best interest. “Try to find shade or a cooler environment, hydrate, and take a few slow, deep breaths to reset your nervous system,” Dr. Williams says. (The three-part breath can help you nourish and oxygenate your body.) Dr. Williams also recommends running your wrists under cold water or using a cooling towel to help lower your body temperature.
It’s also best to be proactive. “If you know you’re more sensitive to heat, I would recommend planning ahead. Avoid peak sun hours, wear breathable fabrics, and keep water nearby,” Dr. Williams says.
The biggest challenge isn’t just cooling down your body, though: it’s cooling down your attitude. When my sweat rage kicks in, I tend to take everything personally. But I try to remind myself that the people in my life aren’t at fault for scooting closer to me or breathing more loudly than usual.
Though sweat rage definitely sucks, I really don’t want to be the person who yells at their dog for taking a few extra minutes to sniff.
Taylor Andrews is the senior balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With eight years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
