Climate change is causing nights to warm up faster than the days in some areas.
According to a new study, scientists now believe that there is a correlation between warmer weather and less sleep in different areas of the world.
Researchers in Denmark analysed anonymized data from thousands of wristbands and smart watches from all over the globe. They matched data about people’s sleep patterns and provided information about the weather. People have more difficulty falling asleep when it is hotter over night.
One Earth published a study that found skin and core body temperatures are more sensitive to changes in temperature during sleep.
Researchers found that the impact of higher temperatures on sleep is not felt equally. They say that older people, who don’t sweat enough to cool themselves, residents of lower-income countries, women and those living in hot climates feel the effects more.
Scientists have discovered that climate change increases the probability of extreme weather and heatwaves. Scientists expect this to get worse as humans continue to release heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.
“Without further adaptation, and should greenhouse gas concentrations not be stabilized until the end of the century, each person could be subjected to an average of 2 weeks of temperature-attributed short sleep each year,” the study in One Earth said.
Lack of sleep can lead to mental and physical health problems such as reduced cognitive performance, hypertension, compromised immunity function, depression, and other issues.
This report was contributed by Rebecca Hersher, NPR.