PLoS Med July 2018 PMID 29990359

Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-conditioned buildings: An observational study of young adults in the summer of 2016.

Jose Guillermo Cedeño Laurent, Augusta Williams, Youssef Oulhote, Antonella Zanobetti, Joseph G Allen, John D Spengler

Mentions

557
Peak: 16 in Jul 2019
across 5 sources since Aug 2018

Extended reach

1,859,318
potential audience

Total likes

22,620

Video views

1,668,876

Mentions per month

Aug 2018 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News455 articles
  • X / Twitter57 posts
  • Blogs32 articles
  • Facebook8 posts
  • YouTube5 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions emphasize the serious consequences of heat on mental performance, with contributors referencing scientific studies like those coauthored by @cedenolaurent and mentioning increased errors, slower reaction times, and risks to safety and productivity. The tone is urgent and advocacy-driven, highlighting the need for policy changes like mandatory air conditioning in new buildings, which reflects both concern and a call to action.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the findings that heat impairs cognitive function, citing multiple studies and emphasizing the urgency for action.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate a high level of interest, sharing detailed information, personal opinions, and discussing implications across health, productivity, and safety.

EngagementHigh engagement

Discussions show active participation through references to scientific research, examples, and calls for policy changes, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective tone underscores the significant real-world implications, such as workplace risks and the need for air conditioning in new buildings, suggesting high impact.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
ケイ
@mikaitabi · X

エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13.3%も低下した。 https://t.co/W6H4YWp2ep

Jun 22, 2020 · 14 likes · 7 shares · 7,177 followers View post →
生塩研一|著書『究極脳の作り方』
@KenichiOshio · X

エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 12 likes · 13 shares · 2,156 followers View post →
ケイ
@mikaitabi · X

【学校にエアコンを付けるべき理由】 ハーバード公衆衛生大学院の実験によると、エアコンがない寮に住んでる学生はエアコンがある寮に住んでいる学生よりも、認知能力が13.4%も低下し、計算するスコアは13.3%も低下していた(頭の回転の速さを認知スコアという形で計算)。 https://t.co/W6H4YWp2ep

Jul 7, 2021 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 7,177 followers View post →
PLOS Medicine
@PLOSMedicine · X

In this study, @cedenolaurent & coll. documented the detrimental effects of #heatwaves on #cognition, discovering that cognitive performance was worsened in high temperatures. https://t.co/BzNeXzbiAK https://t.co/up56oZ6Vie

Jul 25, 2019 · 8 likes · 3 shares · 58,005 followers View post →
hideyuki takahashi
@hideman2009 · X

エアコンが認知機能に与える影響についての論文。職業柄、興味深い #PLOSMedicine: Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-conditioned buildings ... https://t.co/rD6ffqBIav

Jul 18, 2019 · 8 likes · 5 shares · 6,568 followers View post →
psicólogo antissocial
@meistrephilipos · X

Desempenho cognitivo cai com o aumento da temperatura https://t.co/XYINF18J1k

May 8, 2019 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 2,711 followers View post →

All mentions

Impact of Heat on Reaction Time and Cognitive Function

A study from Boston revealed that students without air conditioning had 13% slower reaction times and made more errors during tests. It concluded that optimal functioning occurs at 22-23°C. Understanding these effects…

Rotenso · Sep 2, 2025 176 views
Felix
@Homocidal_crow · X

@Crakitodelpampa @niglodingo @ethanG06200 @TiboInShape

Aug 9, 2025 · 12 followers View post →
Felix
@Homocidal_crow · X

@Gaetan50253335 @lesinge66 @TiboInShape Études : https://t.co/fczZNxnKjX https://t.co/3O2V7INzWs

Aug 9, 2025 · 12 followers View post →
liu grey
@Liu_eroteme · X

also, let me tap the sign again: HEAT EXPOSURE MAKES YOU DUMBER "Students living in non-AC spaces experienced significant decrements on cognitive test performance" https://t.co/vYpn5YmyB2 https://t.co/wzIdofQNuX

Jul 19, 2025 · 3 likes · 3,472 followers View post →
liu grey
@Liu_eroteme · X

@sebkrier it's sickening, really.. we have so much evidence for heat-load causing cognitive decline ( e.g. https://t.co/vYpn5YmyB2 ) and yet we just.. look away, and accept the fact that everyone and their dog just gets dumb as fuck all summer

Jul 1, 2025 · 2 likes · 3,472 followers View post →
tokatti
@tokatti_ · X

うえで、毎日の気温の変化とくらべた 参加者がテストを受けた環境 エアコンあり:平均21.4度、最大26.3度 エアコンなし:平均25度、最大30.4度 結果 エアコンなしの部屋でテストした参加者は、頭の回転が13.4%下がり、論理的な思考力も13.3%落ちた https://t.co/D6nbgvLatR #自分用メモ

Jun 5, 2025 · 180 followers View post →
Bliss
@dbpaago · X

@Obiora_41 Yes o. Although the relevant Harvard study was published 2018, not 2008 as my earlier post claimed. It's just one of many confirmations of the hypothesis. Tbf, every sub-saharan classroom should have an AC. https://t.co/GFr5zB3FKJ

Mar 9, 2025 · 2 likes · 1,480 followers View post →
Gemma
@wickedfairysad · X

https://t.co/SELjxdxE2D #HeatSafety #heatwave

Jun 25, 2024 · 6,522 followers View post →
Psicólogo Celestino González-Fernández ψ
@Tecnoestres · X

Reduced #cognitivefunction during a heat wave among residents of non-air-conditioned buildings: An observational study of young adults in the summer of 2016 | PLOS Medicine ⁦@PLOSONE⁩ ⁦@PLOSMedicine⁩ #CGFPsicología https://t.co/OViFFifSr9

Aug 31, 2023 · 2,909 followers View post →
Ekoloji-Ekonomi
@EkolojiE · X

https://t.co/Zq9geSDCrJ https://t.co/MjnmYZLjfF

Aug 11, 2023 · 1,891 followers View post →
Tilmann Waffenschmidt
@T_Waffenschmidt · X

@StefanLoffler @pkbrln @ZDF Gibt darüber hinaus natürlich auch noch mehr Studien: https://t.co/Vh0DZpSLPD https://t.co/YaLlZPI1N7

Jul 18, 2023 · 1 like · 880 followers View post →
Varina Crisfield
@in_the_hemlocks · X

https://t.co/zLRCLi2JLK

Jun 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 110 followers View post →
DrLJ
@drlaurajane · X

Healthcare buildings are not #ClimateChange adapted so staff have to work in air-con less wards & offices. #heatwave affects cognitive function. I make high stakes decisions about patients on cancer pathways in my office which hit 35 degrees yesterday https://t.co/TGYgqjAjrQ 5/

Jul 19, 2022 · 5 likes · 5,170 followers View post →
Sibéal Ní Fallúin
@NiSibeal · X

@Stuzipants @CryptidKev72 @darrengrimes_ But are they going to learn anything? https://t.co/wwg7sjYtFF

Jul 18, 2022 · 1,358 followers View post →
Sibéal Ní Fallúin
@NiSibeal · X

@Neesh_bloggs I’m sure you have your own evidence, but here https://t.co/wwg7sjYtFF

Jul 18, 2022 · 1 like · 1,358 followers View post →
robert smale & the adventures of Joey
@robertsmale · X

https://t.co/9pTSrdjYSt Air conditioning should be mandatory in all new building construction.

Jun 6, 2022 · 1,189 followers View post →
Becca Kowalski
@beccalynnk22 · X

Beyond illness, heat may impair cognitive function: in young adults, those w/o air conditioning & ⬆️ indoor temps had slower reaction time & cognitive speed. This suggests work productivity & safety and educational efficacy may be impacted by heat, too. https://t.co/2xZHOCJrOO

Jan 28, 2022 · 157 followers View post →
You safe #ceasefirenow
@aynumazi · X

@dayza3wacher @Kaaracena @lghezouani @btatatons @br81604701 @ucef79 hak chouf had dirassa dernaha 3la dawaban lmoukh: https://t.co/kwDKdTQeJA

Jan 21, 2022 · 2 likes · 5,039 followers View post →
ししまる
@shishimaru1970 · X

RT @mikaitabi: 【学校にエアコンを付けるべき理由】 ハーバード公衆衛生大学院の実験によると、エアコンがない寮に住んでる学生はエアコンがある寮に住んでいる学生よりも、認知能力が13.4%も低下し、計算するスコアは13.3%も低下していた(頭の回転の速さを認知スコアと…

Jul 7, 2021 · 3 shares · 3,260 followers View post →
ひろ
@hrhs_0124 · X

RT @mikaitabi: 【学校にエアコンを付けるべき理由】 ハーバード公衆衛生大学院の実験によると、エアコンがない寮に住んでる学生はエアコンがある寮に住んでいる学生よりも、認知能力が13.4%も低下し、計算するスコアは13.3%も低下していた(頭の回転の速さを認知スコアと…

Jul 7, 2021 · 3 shares · 188 followers View post →
ケイ
@mikaitabi · X

【学校にエアコンを付けるべき理由】 ハーバード公衆衛生大学院の実験によると、エアコンがない寮に住んでる学生はエアコンがある寮に住んでいる学生よりも、認知能力が13.4%も低下し、計算するスコアは13.3%も低下していた(頭の回転の速さを認知スコアという形で計算)。 https://t.co/W6H4YWp2ep

Jul 7, 2021 · 10 likes · 3 shares · 7,177 followers View post →
We are not going back.
@AliceMCole · X

@AbbeyNBCBoston @NBC10Boston https://t.co/drUesv9xN0

Jun 10, 2021 · 594 followers View post →
GPDM
@GPDM81 · X

@fswordice @muskittu76 @la_kuzzo Buona lettura. https://t.co/cklFzNy1OO

Mar 12, 2021 · 32 followers View post →
Mila Spicola
@MilaSpicola · X

E, per gli appassionati del genere, leggetevi nel sito anche la sezione: "Funzione cognitiva ridotta durante un'ondata di caldo tra i residenti di edifici senza aria condizionata: uno studio osservazionale di giovani adulti nell'estate del 2016" https://t.co/s9hZmAmlHJ

Dec 12, 2020 · 2 likes · 20,851 followers View post →
Carlos Méndez
@CarlosDeAliste · X

Jul 13, 2020 · 2,083 followers View post →
Enrique M. Rodríguez
@ERBalsa · X

The ❄#AirConditioning matters! Your

Jul 9, 2020 · 679 followers View post →
ケイ
@mikaitabi · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jul 5, 2020 · 7 shares · 7,177 followers View post →
GIBSON
@HvXoqYl9utiY3z8 · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jun 25, 2020 · 7 shares · 11,156 followers View post →
Barton
@Barton_2672bbj · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jun 25, 2020 · 7 shares · 1,171 followers View post →
ししまる
@shishimaru1970 · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jun 25, 2020 · 7 shares · 3,260 followers View post →
清水谷
@mcktmdmcktnk · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jun 22, 2020 · 7 shares · 93 followers View post →
うさぎ
@nEvtEb4CCd04KO4 · X

RT @mikaitabi: エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13…

Jun 22, 2020 · 7 shares · 60 followers View post →
ケイ
@mikaitabi · X

エアコンが設置されている部屋と設置されてない部屋に住む学生達に、定期的に頭の回転の速さを測るような認知テストを行い頭の回転の速さを測った。 エアコンがない部屋に住む学生は、ついている部屋に住んでいる学生より認知能力が13.4%も低下、計算能力は13.3%も低下した。 https://t.co/W6H4YWp2ep

Jun 22, 2020 · 14 likes · 7 shares · 7,177 followers View post →
Pub Health Monitor
@monitor_PH · X

RT @HarvardCCHANGE: Heat and sleep mix like oil and water. Our postdoctoral fellow @awilliams91 coauthored a study about the effects of hea…

Mar 4, 2020 · 1 share · 1,825 followers View post →
Harvard C-CHANGE
@HarvardCCHANGE · X

Heat and sleep mix like oil and water. Our postdoctoral fellow @awilliams91 coauthored a study about the effects of heat on sleep, finding students sleeping in heat performed worse on cognitive tests. #NationalSleepWeek https://t.co/pe7im4bpHz

Mar 4, 2020 · 1 share · 7,687 followers View post →
tokatti
@tokatti_ · X

気温は一定でないと認知能力が13%も落ちる 脳は気温の上下に弱い https://t.co/D6nbgvt1fJ #自分用メモ

Feb 9, 2020 · 180 followers View post →
Y.T
@yoheism42 · X

暑い(30度弱から)と脳の回転が悪くなるのは科学が証明済み。 なので8月を北海道で過ごす施策は正解でした https://t.co/xyvp9ATB0v

Aug 31, 2019 · 26 followers View post →
KOEL Aire Acondicionado
@KOEL_climasQRO · X

Sabías qué...?❄ Fuente: PLOS Medicine Artículo completo : https://t.co/FN8Pezn197 https://t.co/cHVrRHFCdo

Aug 13, 2019 · 254 followers View post →
EDM
@Ever8202 · X

RT @PLOSMedicine: In this study, @cedenolaurent & coll. documented the detrimental effects of #heatwaves on #cognition, discovering that co…

Jul 25, 2019 · 3 shares · 279 followers View post →
Memo Cedeño Laurent
@cedenolaurent · X

RT @PLOSMedicine: In this study, @cedenolaurent & coll. documented the detrimental effects of #heatwaves on #cognition, discovering that co…

Jul 25, 2019 · 3 shares · 1,418 followers View post →
PLOS Medicine
@PLOSMedicine · X

In this study, @cedenolaurent & coll. documented the detrimental effects of #heatwaves on #cognition, discovering that cognitive performance was worsened in high temperatures. https://t.co/BzNeXzbiAK https://t.co/up56oZ6Vie

Jul 25, 2019 · 8 likes · 3 shares · 58,005 followers View post →
さすらう研究者
@TenshokuPerson · X

RT @hideman2009: エアコンが認知機能に与える影響についての論文。職業柄、興味深い #PLOSMedicine: Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-c…

Jul 19, 2019 · 5 shares · 61 followers View post →
na
@NNapy_n · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 115 followers View post →
Daiki Sawai
@DaikiSawai · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 804 followers View post →
na
@NNapy_n · X

RT @hideman2009: エアコンが認知機能に与える影響についての論文。職業柄、興味深い #PLOSMedicine: Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-c…

Jul 18, 2019 · 5 shares · 115 followers View post →
あかり@育成がんばる
@Mitsugi_d20996 · X

RT @hideman2009: エアコンが認知機能に与える影響についての論文。職業柄、興味深い #PLOSMedicine: Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-c…

Jul 18, 2019 · 5 shares · 480 followers View post →
hideyuki takahashi
@hideman2009 · X

エアコンが認知機能に与える影響についての論文。職業柄、興味深い #PLOSMedicine: Reduced cognitive function during a heat wave among residents of non-air-conditioned buildings ... https://t.co/rD6ffqBIav

Jul 18, 2019 · 8 likes · 5 shares · 6,568 followers View post →
らねかー
@Rouninsei_2016 · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 101 followers View post →
Yuki Tamura
@___tamu___ · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 518 followers View post →
ごんごん
@gongonKS · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 3,310 followers View post →
林正道 / Masamichi Hayashi
@mjhayashi · X

RT @KenichiOshio: エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 13 shares · 1,836 followers View post →
生塩研一|著書『究極脳の作り方』
@KenichiOshio · X

エアコンがない部屋では認知能力が下がることが研究で判明、どれほどパフォーマンスが変わるのか? PLoS Medicine. https://t.co/Wbl5q2OXPR https://t.co/B6MiKAdFrw

Jul 18, 2019 · 12 likes · 13 shares · 2,156 followers View post →
Psychology at ICE
@psychology_ice · X

That hot weather may be affecting your cognitive functioning https://t.co/ids2PGiRBz

Jul 10, 2019 · 80 followers View post →
Katie
@PaladinKatie · X

#Heatwaves have negative impact on our cognitive ability. It impairs our ability to perform complex tasks and diminishes reaction time. It can lead to an increase in workplace incidents. Make sure your #EOC is well air conditioned! https://t.co/XvVMQSt0Ot

Jul 4, 2019 · 151 followers View post →
rox
@roxiroxaxou · X

RT @clementbaillon: @klepesydre @Sable_60CH Une étude a d’ailleurs montré que les performances décroissent en cas de chaleur : https://t.co…

Jun 26, 2019 · 1 share · 88 followers View post →
Clément
@clementbaillon · X

@klepesydre @Sable_60CH Une étude a d’ailleurs montré que les performances décroissent en cas de chaleur : https://t.co/UnrFCTtuPU

Jun 26, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,126 followers View post →
biorobotics⚙️
@bor20191 · X

RT @meistrephilipos: Desempenho cognitivo cai com o aumento da temperatura https://t.co/XYINF18J1k

May 9, 2019 · 2 shares · 8 followers View post →
psicólogo antissocial
@meistrephilipos · X

Desempenho cognitivo cai com o aumento da temperatura https://t.co/XYINF18J1k

May 8, 2019 · 6 likes · 2 shares · 2,711 followers View post →