Written by Emma Lawrence
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense in the UK, practical and accessible ways to cope with rising temperatures are increasingly important. This study, led by Dr Jessica Mee (UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Principal Investigator) alongside Olivia Barnes and Emma Lawrence (Research Assoicates), explores whether something as everyday as a hot bath could help the body adapt to heat. If effective, this low-cost, at home approach could offer a realistic way for people to prepare for future heat waves and hot weather.
We are investigating if regular hot-water immersion – essentially raising body temperature through bathing – may improve how the body responds to heat. The study runs over one month, with laboratory testing before and after, and a structured programme of hot baths completed at home. During the laboratory testing we will look at cognitive performance and physiological responses, such as reaction time, temperature and heart rate, to understand how heat tolerance changes. There is also an option to take part in a low-commitment control phase.
We are looking for adults aged 18–65 who have access to a bath and are happy to complete monitoring (including blood sampling and temperature measures). We are keen to recruit both men and women, as understanding sex‑based differences is essential for developing guidance that works for everyone. Within this, we are also interested in women across a range of hormonal profiles, including those who are naturally menstruating, using hormonal contraception, peri- or post-menopausal, or using HRT, because hormones can influence temperature regulation and cardiovascular responses. Including a broad mix of participants helps us build a clearer, more inclusive and representative picture of how different bodies adapt to heat.
Participants will receive up to £270 for taking part. You’ll also gain personal insights into your heat tolerance, education on heat wave preparedness, the chance to work closely with physiologists, and the option of a comprehensive fitness assessment report.
If you’d like more information or are interested in taking part, please get in touch with the research team:
Dr Jessica Mee – j.mee@worc.ac.uk
Olivia Barnes – olivia.barnes2@worc.ac.uk
Emma Lawrence – emma.lawrence2@worc.ac.uk
Or register your interest here and a member of the research team will be in touch.