How does a lower body temperature lead to slower nerve impulse conduction?

Lower body temperature can slow down nerve impulse conduction because it affects the speed of ion movement across neuronal membranes. Nerve impulses rely on the rapid exchange of sodium and potassium ions, which is facilitated by temperature-dependent processes. When temperatures drop, the biochemical reactions involved in these ionic movements slow down, leading to a decrease in the rate of action potential generation and propagation along the nerve fibers. Consequently, this results in slower overall nerve signal transmission.