With winter approaching, the anticipation of shivering and chattering teeth looms.
While some individuals bundle up in layers of sweaters and jackets, others feel no need to do so. Have you ever pondered why? Even when the temperature and winds are uniform for everyone, some individuals feel colder than others. While some of us relish sipping tea during this chilly season, several people prefer not to venture out from under their blankets. The editorial team at Onlymyhealth spoke with Dr. Anil Vardani, Director of Internal Medicine at BLK Hospital in Delhi, to explore the reasons behind this discrepancy.
Is there a distinction between being chilly and experiencing cold sensations
Indeed, there’s a notable disparity between being cold and experiencing cold sensations. Being cold carries a potential danger, as even a slight decrease in body temperature can lead to hypothermia, causing significant harm. Conversely, feeling cold can occur without a decrease in body temperature; external conditions may induce a sensation of coldness. Interestingly, feeling cold can prompt the body to increase its temperature in an effort to conserve heat.
Experiencing extreme coldness may lead you to:
- Layering clothing to insulate your body.
- Consuming hot food and beverages to raise internal temperature.
- Putting on a cap and socks to retain heat.
- Engaging in physical activity to generate warmth.
- Utilizing woolen garments for their superior insulation properties.Reasons to feel colder than others
Factors contributing to a heightened sensation of cold compared to others
Are there underlying health issues if you consistently feel significantly colder than others? Numerous factors can contribute to this sensation. Dr. Anil highlights several key reasons for feeling colder than average:
1. Lower body fat percentage
It’s evident that individuals with higher levels of subcutaneous fat are better equipped to withstand the cold during winter. Conversely, those with lower fat stores may experience greater discomfort and feel colder than their counterparts. Nonetheless, in healthy individuals, physiological mechanisms typically prevent the onset of hypothermia. This discrepancy in cold sensitivity is a natural variation without pathological implications.
2. Hypothyroid
Hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition affecting numerous individuals. Even if you don’t exhibit classical symptoms of the disease, having low thyroid hormone levels in the body can lead to increased sensitivity to cold.
Additional factors contributing to increased cold sensitivity include:
Gender
Another observed phenomenon is that women tend to feel colder than men, which can be attributed to genetic factors influencing their differing body temperatures. Therefore, this is another contributing factor to some individuals feeling colder than others.
Sleep patterns and lethargy can also play a role in feeling colder than others
Lethargy and irregular sleep patterns can lead to decreased heat production in the body. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule is crucial for optimal body function and temperature regulation.
Age
Another factor contributing to feeling colder than others is age. As individuals age, their bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature.
These are the primary reasons outlined by Dr. Anil Vardani for why some individuals feel colder than others. However, experiencing excessive coldness during pregnancy may indicate lower thyroid hormone activity, necessitating hormone supplementation. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about this issue.