Do you suffer from Heatred? Why Brits seek to escape their homes in summer

New research recorded during Britain’s June heatwave, which saw temperatures surge to nearly 30 degrees, uncovered the little-known phenomenon of Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder – which experts have dubbed ‘Heatred’. 

From unpredictable irritability to the never-ending feeling of being uncomfortable, the phenomenon, ‘Heatred’, refers to an individual who has developed a hatred for the heat. 

New research by VELUX, the world’s leading roof window manufacturer, shows that a shocking one in four (23 per cent) of Brits experience Summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD), which can be caused by heat, humidity and pollen.

With the more commonly known term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often associated with reduced exposure to daylight during the autumn and winter months, research suggests that SSAD has soared as temperatures have. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of Brits also admitted to feeling irritated by the heat, with only two in five (40 per cent) claiming the heat makes them happy. One in seven (14 per cent) Brits also claim to be more sensitive to little annoyances in hotter months. 

To escape the confines of our kiln-like homes, Brits are taking to visiting the freezer aisles (25 per cent) and even enjoying their car’s air-con (13 per cent) to beat the heat.  But for the quarter of us (27 per cent) who have no escape from our hot houses, Heatred can be our constant companion.  

Unfortunately, the research also uncovered that ‘Home is where the Heatred is’ with one in seven saying they can never cool down in their homes – which can then have a knock-on impact on mental health and wellbeing. 

Brits have also revealed the weird and wonderful ways they attempt to cool down in their scorching homes, ranging from sitting with feet in cold water, to wrapping themselves in a soaking wet shawl. However, beating Heatred sustainably and effectively all starts with heat-proofing your home.

For those not planning a home renovation anytime soon, fear not! VELUX has shared a few short-term fixes which can make all the difference. 

Top tips on beating the ‘Heatred’ 

• Protect your home from the outside: Similar to applying SPF onto your skin before stepping out into the scorching sun, we can apply the same logic to our homes. External heat protection on your windows is a great way to stop the heat before it gets into your home, giving you optimal heat control.  
• Air out your space:  At cooler points in the day, such as first thing in the morning and later in the evening, crack open the windows on opposite sides of the home to create a cross breeze that speeds up ventilation throughout the entire home. After 5 to 10 minutes, air in the home has been replaced with fresh air, which not only cools you down, but benefits overall wellbeing.
• Strip your bedsheets: Get rid of fluffy pillows and cosy blankets in the bedroom this summer – create a cool space to sleep in.
• Stay hydrated: It is easy to dwell in the irritation when your home is too hot, but ensure you look after your health during hotter days – loading up on water is a great start.
• Cool down your extremities: Research shows that some Brits go to the extent of dousing their wrists in cool water or dunking their feet in an ice bath. Our hands and feet work as heat removal for the body – so will temporarily keep you ice cold!

As a global leader in home improvement, VELUX is on a mission to raise awareness of how to keep your home cool this summer, ensuring the home can be a summer sanctuary. VELUX can help to keep your home cool with the simple addition of blinds and shutters.