Feeling cold and shaking uncontrollably + video
Feeling cold and shaking uncontrollably : When one speaks of feeling cold or experiencing uncontrollable shivers, it often evokes a visceral reaction from those who hear it. These reactions are rooted in our own experiences with cold environments, illness, or even intense emotions. The experience of feeling cold and shaking uncontrollably is a complex interplay between the human body’s physiological responses, the environment, and, in some cases, the mind. This essay delves into the intricacies of this phenomenon, highlighting both the biological underpinnings and the external triggers.
Feeling cold and shaking uncontrollably
Human Physiology and Thermoregulation
At the core of the human body’s temperature management system is the process of thermoregulation. This is the body’s way of maintaining a constant internal temperature, despite external fluctuations. The human body operates optimally at an average temperature of 98.6°F (37°C). When external or internal influences disturb this balance, the body’s thermoregulatory system kicks in.
Feeling cold is a perception that arises when thermal receptors in the skin detect a drop in temperature. These receptors send signals to the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which acts as the body’s thermostat. In response to this perceived cold, the body implements several strategies to preserve its core temperature.
Shivering is one such strategy. When the body detects cold, it initiates involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in shivering. These contractions produce heat as a byproduct, aiding in warming the body. While shivering can be a minor tremor initially, intense cold can lead to violent, uncontrollable shaking.
External Influences: Cold Environments and Exposure
Exposure to cold environments is the most straightforward cause for feeling cold and shivering. When the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, hypothermia sets in. Early symptoms include intense shivering, but as the condition progresses, shivering may stop due to the body’s inability to generate heat.
Different environments present unique challenges. Immersion in cold water, for example, can lead to rapid heat loss, as water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. Thus, someone falling into icy water might start shivering uncontrollably within minutes, while it may take hours in cold air for the same reaction.
Influence of Illness and Medical Conditions
Beyond mere environmental exposure, certain illnesses and medical conditions can make individuals feel cold or shiver uncontrollably. Fevers, paradoxically, often begin with chills and shivering as the body’s temperature begins to rise. This happens because the body sets a new “thermostat” level and induces shivering to reach that higher temperature.
Other medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, can make individuals feel perpetually cold. Similarly, conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can lead to shivering as the body’s cells scream out for more glucose.
The Mind-Body Connection
There’s also an undeniable mind-body connection to consider. Intense emotions, such as anxiety or fear, can induce a sensation of cold or even cause shivering. The “fight or flight” response, triggered by adrenaline, prepares the body to either confront or flee from a threat. This response diverts blood from the skin’s surface to vital organs and muscles, leading to a sensation of cold, accompanied by shivering in some cases.
Furthermore, certain traumatic experiences or memories can manifest physically, causing individuals to feel cold or shake. These reactions are a testament to the power of the mind and how closely it’s intertwined with the body’s physiological responses.
The Role of Medications and Substances
Certain substances and medications can also influence our temperature perceptions and induce shivering. For instance, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and even antibiotics list “chills” as a possible side effect. Drugs like MDMA or ecstasy can interfere with the body’s thermoregulation, potentially leading to feelings of cold or uncontrollable shivering.
Moreover, withdrawal from substances like alcohol or opioids can manifest in cold sweats and shivering. These symptoms reflect the body’s struggle to regain equilibrium without the influence of the substance it’s become accustomed to.
