Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 8, 2025
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring.
So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it.
But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be clouding your thinking.
And if you’re over 60, this news is even more concerning…
An eye-opening study published in The Journals of Gerontology finds your thermostat setting may be just as critical for your brain as it is for your comfort.
Researchers tracked home temperatures and cognitive performance in 47 older adults and uncovered something unexpected.
Your brain works best when your indoor environment stays between 68- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit.
Stray outside that range, and things start getting fuzzy—literally.
For every seven-degree change above or below this “cognitive comfort zone,” participants reported TWICE as many problems focusing on critical daily tasks.
In other words, being too hot or too cold doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it could also make you less sharp.
Here’s how to keep your thermostat dialed into the cognitive sweet spot:
- Install a programmable thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures
- Use ceiling fans to distribute air more evenly
- Seal gaps and drafts around windows and doors
- Heat or cool only the rooms you use most
- Monitor indoor temps throughout the day
- Use curtains or blinds to help manage temperatures
Avoiding heating and cooling your home will save you money, but your brain will pay the price.
Consider maintaining a brain-friendly indoor temperature instead. It’s an investment in your cognitive health that will pay off in mental clarity and focus.
P.S. PLAY your way to better brain health!?
Source:
Baniassadi, A., Yu, W., Travison, T., Day, R., Lipsitz, L., & Manor, B. Home Ambient Temperature and Self-reported Attention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...