Reason you feel exhausted in a heatwave as 'hottest day ever' on its way

Reason you feel exhausted in a heatwave as 'hottest day ever' on its way With the hottest day ever predicted to be hitting the UK soon, health experts have shared the reason why you're likely to feel exhausted in a heatwave – and what you can do about it The UK has experienced an unprecedented summer when it comes to the hot weather, experiencing three major heatwaves. This year marks the first time in British history that temperatures have breached 35C in three separate months (May, June, and July). As of late July, meteorologists are closely tracking advanced weather models that predict temperatures could potentially soar to 41C, which would eclipse the UK's current absolute record of 40.3C set in July 2022 – making it the hottest day ever in the UK. With temperatures remaining hot across much of the UK, many people are still very much feeling the effects. New data from Healthwords.ai reveals heat-related health queries increased by 621% between April and June, as warmer weather prompted a surge in people seeking advice for symptoms including dizziness, fatigue and dehydration. The most common concerns included dizziness and fainting, excessive sweating - especially at night, lethargy and fatigue and dehydration and electrolyte loss. Talking about why these ailments might be happening, Dr Tom Maggs, Chief Medical Officer at Healthwords.ai explains: "Many people assume feeling exhausted during a heatwave is simply because it’s uncomfortable, but there’s much more happening inside the body. "When temperatures rise, your body has to work much harder to regulate its core temperature. "Blood vessels widen to help release heat, your heart works harder to circulate blood, and you lose both water and important electrolytes through sweat." The doctor added: "“Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling unusually tired, sluggish or lightheaded, and the effects don’t necessarily disappear as soon as the weather cools. "If you’ve also had several nights of poor sleep because of the heat, that fatigue can build up over several days.” Dr Maggs says people often underestimate how quickly dehydration can develop. “Thirst is actually a relatively late sign that your body needs fluids," he said. "If you’re already feeling thirsty, tired or developing a headache, you’re likely already mildly dehydrated. Older adults, young children and anyone exercising outdoors are particularly vulnerable.” 5 ways to recover from heat-related fatigue - Drink water regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until you’re thirsty. - Replenish electrolytes alongside fluids, particularly if you’ve been sweating heavily or spending long periods outdoors. An oral rehydration solution, such as O.R.S Hydration, is specifically formulated to replace both fluids and essential electrolytes. - Prioritise sleep by keeping bedrooms cool, closing curtains during the day and avoiding strenuous activity right before bedtime. - Take regular breaks from the heat and seek cooler, shaded spaces where possible. - Seek medical advice if you experience persistent dizziness, fainting, confusion or vomiting, as these could be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Dr Maggs concluded: "Most people recover well with rest, cooling down and proper hydration, but prevention is always easier than recovery. "Small habits like drinking consistently throughout the day, avoiding the hottest parts of the afternoon and recognising the early signs of dehydration can make a significant difference.” Healthwords is registered with the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a Class 1 Medical Device, specifically as patient health self-management software. The platform is a registered digital health tool designed to help you decode basic symptoms, understand self-treatment options, and find over-the-counter products. However, it is not a replacement for a real doctor.