Is there ever going to be a peaceful solution to the office air-conditioning wars? Neurologist and stroke researcher Professor Neil Spratt recently spoke to ABC Newcastle about why some people feel colder than others.  

“There are a number of factors involved but the main thing to consider is body mass, specifically, muscle mass”. he says. “We have sensors in our skin that detect and respond to temperature. The most important factor is that bigger or rounder people tend to feel the cold less as they have a smaller surface area relative to volume. People who have more muscle mass also generate more heat.”

The skin will vasoconstrict – the blood vessels will reduce blood supply to the skin’s surface and the body’s extremities like fingers, toes and nose – when it’s cold to maintain the core body temperature around the brain and the heart.

Professor Spratt says that people who live in cold climates do adapt.

“Inuit and Sami people are warmer in their extremities because they’re more likely to get frost bite if blood supply is reduced,” says Professor Spratt.

He agrees that women do tend to feel the cold more simply because they generally have a smaller body mass.

When it comes to hormones, particularly hot flashes experienced during menopause, Professor Spratt says this is a symptom of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, rather than changes in core body temperature.

“Your metabolism slows down as you age so it becomes harder to stay warm,” he says.

In terms of office air-conditioning wars, Professor Spratt’s advice is to dress for the temperature you personally experience and, if you’re still freezing, do some exercise as it’s the best way to generate heat.