Rising temperatures erode human sleep globally

This study used data from 47,628 adults across 68 countries to explore the impact of rising nighttime temperatures on sleep. Higher temperatures were linked to reduced sleep duration and increased risk of insufficient sleep, particularly in summer, among older adults, women, and people in low-income regions. Hotter climates showed greater sleep loss per degree of warming, with no evidence of short-term adaptation. By 2099, under high-emissions scenarios, nighttime heat could lead to significant global sleep loss, exacerbating health and productivity issues tied to insufficient rest.

To counter sleep disruption from heat, maintain bedroom cooling with fans or air conditioning, focus on breathable bedding, and use reflective materials to reduce urban heat buildup. These steps are crucial as rising temperatures are expected to worsen sleep quality, especially in vulnerable populations.