Five ways to cope with fatigue in the hot weather

When you're suffering with fatigue due to prostate cancer treatment, hotter weather can be difficult to cope with. Here are our top five tips to help you stay comfortable:

Plan ahead 

Planning your day and pacing yourself is important when energy levels are low, especially in hot weather. It might be helpful to write a list of what you need to do and prioritise. Like we've seen this summer, a heatwave doesn’t usually last long in the UK, so perhaps chores could wait for another day.

Change up your routine

If possible, avoid activity in the hottest part of the day: 11am–3pm. That might mean changing your usual routine – think siesta! There is a good reason why many living in Mediterranean climates take a nap during the peak of the day.

Stay cool and comfortable

If it is really hot, you might want to plan a trip to an air-conditioned building, like the cinema, library or shopping centre. Give yourself permission to do things a bit differently.

Stay cool in the house by opening windows but keeping blinds and curtains closed. Using an electric fan can help to keep the air circulating. When you’re feeling hot and uncomfortable, you might find it helpful to have a hand-held electric fan or a spray bottle filled with cold water for a refreshing ‘spritz’. A wet flannel or handkerchief on the head or shoulders can also be cooling.

Keep the water temperature of your shower or bath cooler than usual, and wear loose clothes (and bed clothes) made of natural materials rather than less breathable, man-made fibres.

Keep hydrated

It’s important to keep yourself hydrated. When it’s hot, you need to drink more than usual. Drink plenty of cold fluids before you feel thirsty, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Keep a large bottle or jug of iced water close at hand and take regular sips throughout the day.

Be willing to ask for help

Be prepared. It’s a good idea to have supplies ready if a heatwave is forecast. If fatigue makes it difficult to get about, it will be helpful to have a good supply of food and medication. Ask for help if necessary: friends, family and neighbours are usually very happy to help with shopping or chores.

Sometimes, hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you're feeling unwell and think you may have heat stroke, speak to your doctor. If you can't speak to your GP and don’t know what to do next, call 111. The NHS website also provides further information about preventing heat stroke, including signs and symptoms. 

Read more about fatigue and prostate cancer.

Our Specialist Nurses are here to help. You can call the team on 0800 074 8383, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Wednesdays 10am – 5pm. You can also get in touch via live chat or email.

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