As another cold snap approaches, people have different ways of dealing with the chilly weather. Some prefer to take a brisk walk outside, while others opt to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and some biscuits. However, one thing remains constant when the temperatures drop – we all love to talk about how cold it feels. Phrases like “I am so cold, I can feel it in my bones” are commonly heard during the winter months.
But is there any truth to this statement? In the UK, the high humidity levels even in cold weather cause moisture in the air to quickly move the warm air away from our bodies. This moisture is also absorbed into our clothes, which then conducts heat away from our bodies. Water has a much higher rate of heat transfer than air, making us feel colder than the actual temperature.
Our bodies are most efficient at around 37°C, but our extremities can be up to 6°C cooler. Factors such as sex, age, and health status can also affect our body temperature. Older people tend to feel the cold more, and women are generally more sensitive to cold temperatures than men.
While our bones do not have the same temperature-sensitive receptors as our skin, they can sense temperature changes, especially cooling, through nerves in the outermost lining of the bone called the periosteum. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can have negative effects on our bones, such as shortening their length, reducing their thickness, and decreasing bone mineral density.
Other musculoskeletal tissues are more susceptible to changes in temperature and pressure. For example, synovial fluid, which lubricates our joints, becomes thicker in colder temperatures, making it harder for joints to move smoothly. Tendons and ligaments also become stiffer in the cold, leading to decreased range of motion and increased discomfort, especially in people with joint conditions like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
The brain also plays a role in how we perceive cold temperatures. The lack of sunlight during the dark winter months in the northern hemisphere can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with poor bone health and increased sensitivity to musculoskeletal pain. Low vitamin D levels are also linked to increased anxiety and depression symptoms, affecting our tolerance to temperature changes.
To combat the cold, it is recommended to consume extra calories, wear layers of clothing, and stay active to generate and trap heat against the body. These strategies can help you stay warm and comfortable during the winter months.
