You’ve probably heard the term “discomfort index” used frequently on TV or in the media. On days when the discomfort index is high, even with the fan or air conditioning on, relief is only temporary, and you may find yourself easily irritated or annoyed by trivial matters. So, what exactly is the discomfort index, and how is it calculated? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the discomfort index?
The discomfort index, also known as the temperature-humidity index (THI), predicts a person’s discomfort based on temperature and humidity. It combines these two factors to indicate the degree of discomfort people feel depending on the weather. While each person perceives temperature differently, meaning people may experience discomfort to varying degrees under the same conditions, the discomfort index is widely used as it objectively measures how uncomfortable conditions might feel.
Varying levels of discomfort by index
The discomfort index can be categorized into three or four levels. If the index is below 68, it’s considered a low level, and people can feel comfortable even when temperatures are high. An index between 68 and 80 varies by individual, but discomfort may start to set in. When the index exceeds 80, most people begin to feel uncomfortable, experiencing sweat and a sticky, unpleasant sensation.
Increase in aggression and impulsivity
Research shows that crime rates tend to increase as the discomfort index rises. A higher discomfort index leads to heightened aggression and impulsive behavior, decreased concentration, and greater feelings of fatigue. It’s crucial to manage your emotions, practice deep breathing, and calm your anger instead of lashing out during such times.
Why do temperature and humidity cause discomfort?
To pinpoint the cause, humidity plays a larger role than temperature. Our bodies perform various functions to maintain a stable temperature, so we shiver when cold and sweat when hot. In particular, sweating helps cool the skin by evaporating the moisture. However, sweat evaporates less when humidity is high, leading to a higher perception of heat and increased discomfort.
Regulating indoor temperature
Maintaining appropriate indoor temperature and humidity can significantly lower the discomfort index. In homes, using a dehumidifier or adjusting the humidity with an air conditioner can help. However, excessive use of a dehumidifier can dry out your skin, and setting the air conditioner too low can cause a significant difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, leading to conditions like air-conditioning sickness. The ideal indoor temperature is 26°C (78.8°F) with a humidity level of around 40%, and you should aim to maintain these levels.
Lowering the discomfort index through clothing
Wearing breathable clothing instead of tight-fitting clothes can help lower body heat and reduce discomfort. However, excessively loose clothing can decrease ventilation, so it’s best to opt for linen fabric, which provides good airflow and efficiently absorbs and wicks away sweat.
Fighting lethargy with exercise
A high discomfort index can easily lead to feelings of lethargy. Aerobic exercises like walking or jogging can be effective in the morning or evening. If you don’t have time for a workout, light stretching can also help. Instead of lying down and doing nothing, try exercising moderately to sweat it out and take a lukewarm shower, which can help manage the discomfort index.
Hydration: simple but difficult
We tend to drink less water than the amount of sweat we lose. Did you know that dehydration can increase discomfort levels? Therefore, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Instead of drinking a lot at once, it’s better to sip frequently and opt for lukewarm water rather than cold water. Proper hydration helps maintain body moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce discomfort, so it can’t be emphasized enough.
Maintaining a regular body rhythm
Keeping a regular daily routine can also help reduce stress caused by the discomfort index. Make sure to get enough sleep, maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and if you’re exhausted, taking a short nap during the day can help you feel refreshed.
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