What Is Shivering Thermogenesis?
“Shivering thermogenesis” is the scientific name for shivering to generate body heat. All mammals and birds have a shivering response, but scientists consider it an inefficient “last resort” method of temperature control.Definition”Thermogenesis” means the generation of heat. Thus, shivering thermogenesis is the generation of heat by shivering and is touched off by the brain’s hypothalmus.PurposeShivering activates the muscles of the body involuntarily, putting them to work, which in turn generates body heat—just as voluntary activation of the muscles (exercise) will do.ColdCold air or water are the most common triggers for shivering thermogenesis. The “trigger point” of shivering can vary widely from one person to the next.Other CausesBoth starvation and circadian rhythms produce changes in body temperature, thus, starving people will shiver to generate heat, and sleepers may shiver several times during the night.Non-shivering ThermogenesisNon-shivering thermogenesis is metabolic an
