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Researchers have discovered a notable increase in the risk of sleep deprivation on warmer nights, despite seemingly minor temperature changes. The probability of sleeping fewer than six hours rises sharply by about 40% when nighttime temperatures climb.
Lack of adequate sleep is not just a minor inconvenience; it has been connected to serious health issues, including depression, mood disorders, cardiovascular problems, and diminished cognitive abilities.
These findings highlight how sleep disruptions due to heat affect individuals across all ages and demographics, spanning diverse regions and backgrounds, according to the study’s lead researcher.
To combat heat-induced sleep loss, several strategies can be employed. Utilizing air conditioning and fans, choosing breathable bedding, and keeping windows open to welcome a breeze are practical solutions. Additionally, closing blinds and windows during the day can help keep bedrooms cooler by blocking out the sun’s heat.
The findings show heat-induced sleep loss is impacting people of all ages and backgrounds across various regions and demographics, she said.
How to safeguard sleep
The obvious methods include air conditioning, fans, breathable bedding and leaving windows open to allow in a breeze. It can also be helpful to close sun-facing windows and blinds during the day to prevent bedrooms from heating up.
“Urban design, housing, and public health strategies such as using heat-resilient housing designs and urban cooling strategies, such as green roofs, tree planting, and reflective building materials could help,” he said.
Disproportionate impact on less affluent populations
As a result, lower-income populations were likely underrepresented.
Last year, analysis by the Australia Institute found that extreme heat poses a greater threat to outer-urban and rural areas of the country, where vulnerable populations — including older people, those with chronic health conditions and people on lower incomes — are more concentrated.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that extreme heat remains the leading cause of weather-related hospitalisations in Australia.
