 Sponsored by Progressive Insurance. I'm Christopher Cruz. The heat that's blanking the country from coast to coast is stressing a lot of us out, says CBS's Donya Bacchus. I just feel like I get tired more. Research shows excessive heat can impact mood. Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Susan Albers says when the body has to work harder to keep cool, that causes the release of the stress hormone cortisol. People tend to feel more agitated. Everyone's mood is impacted by the heat.