Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro Find out why our body perceives the cold differently depending on the seasons and conditions.
Or have you ever wondered why setting your thermostat to 66°F 19°C in winter feels cold, but the same temperature in spring feels perfectly fine? Thermoreception refers to the process by which our body perceives temperature through the use of specialized receptors in the skin. This mechanism varies from person to person and is influenced by various factors. For instance, contact with cold surfaces sends signals to the brain, enhancing the sensation of heat loss. Even slight changes in temperature can activate cold receptors, making us feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Another important factor is how the human body reacts to seasonal changes. During winter, our skin is usually exposed to a drier and less humid environment, which enhances the sensation of cold. Furthermore, variations in temperature between heated indoor spaces and frigid outdoor air can overstimulate skin receptors, increasing discomfort.
The invisible enemies of thermal comfort
Among the most important factors influencing the perception of cold is humidity. The heating systems during winter dehumidify the air, which increases the rate at which moisture evaporates from the skin, hence strengthening the sensation of cold. Conversely, high humidity prevents natural evaporation of sweat and might lead to a similarly unpleasant feeling of damp and cold. Indoor humidity should, in principle, remain within the range of 40% to 60%.
Even slight air drafts can make a big difference in thermal discomfort. Drafts from windows, doors, or poorly insulated ceilings are common culprits. Solutions like silicone seals, draft stoppers, or upgrading window frames can significantly improve indoor comfort.
Physiological factors: why do some people feel the cold more?
Cold is very much a subjective sensation, which may be influenced by several factors. There is a critical factor of age: with advanced age, the metabolic rate slows down, and the circulation of blood decreases, thus older adults are more sensitive to cold. Certain health conditions, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or poor circulation, can also heighten cold sensitivity.
Other interesting aspects are the gender differences. Indeed, most studies show that women are feeling colder than men, having less muscle mass and for hormonal differences affecting their metabolic rate. However, the differences are not quite straightforward. Although factors of muscle mass, fat distribution, and basal metabolic rate all play important roles, recent studies suggest a smaller effect of gender compared to previous beliefs.
Accordingly, while women have a higher percentage of body fat, which would make them more resistant to low temperatures, they still usually prefer to be in the warm for a number of social and behavioral reasons. Conversely, men have a higher rate of metabolism that produces and conserves more heat.
Complexity of causes
Ultimately, the sensation of cold is not a question of thermometers or a matter of gender but interplays of personal, environmental, and social factors. That’s why 66°F feels so different in winter compared with the same temperature in spring-your body, the context, and the ambient conditions all make a difference.
Source: Wolters Kluwer N.V.
