Is 36.9 degrees a normal temperature?

36.9 degrees is generally a normal body temperature. A person’s body temperature can vary from person to person and during the day, but normal body temperature is generally considered to be around 36.1-37.2 degrees. In this article, we’ll discuss in more detail what normal body temperature is, what factors can affect it, and when to be concerned.

What is normal body temperature?

Normal body temperature varies slightly according to different sources, but the generally accepted range is 36.1–37.2 degrees. This means that 36.9 degrees is a perfectly normal temperature. Body temperature can vary throughout the day and is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon and early evening.

Factors that affect body temperature

Many factors can affect body temperature, including:

  • Time of day: Body temperature is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon and early evening.
  • Physical activity: Exercise and physical exertion can raise the body temperature temporarily.
  • Eating: Digesting food can raise the body temperature slightly.
  • Hormonal changes: For example, the menstrual cycle of women can affect body temperature.
  • Ambient temperature: External temperatures can affect body temperature, especially if a person has been exposed to extreme temperatures.

When should you be concerned?

Although 36.9 degrees is a normal body temperature, there are situations where changes in body temperature can be a sign of an illness or other health problem. In the following situations, you should contact a healthcare professional:

  1. Fever: If the body temperature rises above 38 degrees, it may be a sign of an infection or other illness.
  2. Hypothermia: If the body temperature drops below 35 degrees, it can be dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
  3. Prolonged rise in temperature: If the body temperature is constantly elevated for no apparent reason, it may be a sign of a chronic illness.

Summary

36.9 degrees is a normal body temperature, which falls within the generally accepted range of 36.1–37.2 degrees. Body temperature can vary during the day and due to various factors. It is important to recognize when changes in body temperature may be a sign of a health problem and when it is necessary to seek medical attention.

For more information about body temperature and its variations, you can read for example Terveyskirjasto and from the Mayo Clinic website.