Book 1, Question 28
Why Do We Shiver? Your Muscles Make Heat!
Brrr! Shivering is not random, it is your body's smart plan. When your body senses cold, your brain tells your muscles to twitch back and forth on purpose. That twitching uses energy and releases heat, which helps bring your temperature back to normal. Even chattering teeth are your jaw shivering to make extra heat. Rub your palms together for 10 seconds to feel how movement makes warmth!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 1
More fun facts
- The part of your brain called the hypothalamus sends the shiver signal to your muscles.
- Shivering is made of quick muscle squeezes that make heat.
- Shivering is involuntary. You do not decide to do it.
- When you get cold, blood vessels near your skin get narrower. Less warm blood reaches the surface, so less heat escapes.
- Tiny muscles at the base of your hairs tighten too. That traps a thin layer of warm air next to your skin.
- Your liver can also make extra heat to help warm you up.
- Your body uses a system called negative feedback. If your temperature drops, it works to bring it back to normal.
Sources: BBC
Questions kids ask
Who tells my muscles to shiver?
The hypothalamus, a part of your brain that keeps track of your body temperature.
Can I stop myself from shivering?
Not really. Shivering is involuntary, which means your body does it on its own.