Shivering is your body's way of warming itself up. Your muscles contract and relax rapidly, generating heat. However, shivering isn't always caused by cold temperatures. Let's explore the various reasons why you might be shivering:
Common Causes of Shivering
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Exposure to Cold: This is the most obvious reason. When your body temperature drops, shivering kicks in to raise it. [Reference: Shivering causes your muscles to contract and relax, which warms up your body. Sometimes you might get cold chills from being exposed to low temperatures.]
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Illness or Infection: Shivering is a common symptom of many illnesses and infections. Your body's immune response generates heat, leading to chills and shivering. [Reference: Shivering can also be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, infection or another health problem.]
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Fever: The rise in body temperature associated with a fever often starts with shivering. [Reference: Trembling typically occurs due to exposure to the cold or at the start of a fever.]
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Low Blood Sugar: Insufficient blood sugar can cause your muscles to tremble and shiver. [Reference: Low blood sugar causes shakiness because the nerves and muscles are deprived of necessary fuel.]
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Anxiety or Stress: Emotional distress can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, sometimes resulting in shivering. [Reference: When you become anxious, stressed or angry...]
Less Common Causes
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Dehydration: A lack of fluids can impact your body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to shivering. [Reference: Dehydration, or lack of fluids, is a common potential cause of why a person shivers.]
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Medications: Some medications can have shivering as a side effect.
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Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to a lowered metabolism and increased sensitivity to cold, causing shivering.
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Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions can affect the body's temperature regulation and cause shivering. [Reference: Shivering differs from general anaesthesia to neuraxial anaesthesia. General anaesthesia could impair the central thermoregulation,...]
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your shivering is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, persistent fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor. Recurring or severe shivering warrants medical evaluation to rule out underlying health problems.
