Changes in the weather do not leave some people indifferent. Many people complain of discomfort, especially during stormy weather and when it gets colder. More than half of the population in Germany describes themselves as weather-sensitive, according to a Research by the German Weather Service As of 2015, a fifth of those surveyed said they had suffered greatly from the weather. Subjectively, older people feel the weather more intensely than younger people. The problem: those affected are often not taken seriously and the symptoms are dismissed as imagination. Even scientists do not agree on what is behind the phenomenon of climate sensitivity.
What are the symptoms of climate sensitivity?
Elderly people subjectively feel the weather more intensely than younger people: in the age group of 60 and over, almost 70% complain that the weather is affecting their bones and head. Women in menopause also often suffer from weather changes. The most common symptoms are headaches and migraines, tiredness, fatigue, joint pain and sleep disorders. Those affected feel weak, tired, listless, depressed or irritable.
The weather increases the symptoms
But according to Prof. Andreas Matzarakis, Medical-Meteorological Research Center of the German Weather Service in Interview with Bayern 3 in October 2023: “Weather sensitivity is something that builds on something that already exists. This means: I have symptoms and in certain situations or weather conditions my symptoms get worse or better. […] We have a number of complaints, but mainly it is about the body not being able to deal with the new climate situation so quickly. This means that it needs a certain amount of time to adapt (…).” Matzarakis suspects that people who are sensitive to the weather may have a low threshold for irritation and that their body reacts violently to even small climatic stimuli.
Proving climate sensitivity is difficult
It’s hard to research why climate has such an influence, or whether it’s all just imagination. This is partly because there are so many different climate variables at any given time. They all change at the same time, often violently as the climate changes.
Experts assume that weather reactions are explained by the interaction of all factors, such as temperature, humidity, spherical (electromagnetic storm pulses), pressure fluctuations, and UV and infrared rays. Added to this is personal disposition. How exactly all this works together has not yet been clarified.
Climate sensitivity: lack of training and too much indoors?
The fact that we react to climate change with physical complaints is, among other things, a consequence of our life within four walls, says Angela Schuh, a long-time professor of medical climatology at the LMU Munich. It is inevitable that there is not enough natural light there, which can lead to complaints, says Angela Schuh. In addition, sensitivity to the weather is largely due to the body’s lack of training. This means that it cannot adapt quickly enough or with the correct physical processes.
What can you do about climate sensitivity?
- Get outside and get some fresh air – whenever you can and in any weather. Endurance training is particularly good: walking, hiking, running, cycling, strolling.
- You should dress so that you feel slightly cool, but not cold. This trains the body’s thermoregulation. Any kind of hardening is also useful: contrast baths, Kneipp treatments and regular visits to the sauna.
- Those who are sensitive to the weather should get into the habit of always following the same daily routine – that is, waking up, eating and going to bed should, if possible, always occur at the same time.
- Regular and sufficient sleep can alleviate weather sensitivity.
- Eat healthily and regularly, if possible always at the same time.
- People who are sensitive to weather should avoid nicotine, alcohol or coffee, as these stimulants can cause headaches.