Copenhagen: Rising global temperatures are seriously disrupting our night’s sleep, and the situation could worsen by the end of this century if people don’t control their carbon emissions.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen analyzed data from sleep trackers worn by more than 47,000 people in 68 countries between 2015 and 2017 to understand the possible effects on our sleep in the future.
The study found that the global average sleep duration per night decreased by about 44 minutes due to rising temperatures. By 2099, this reduction could be between 50 and 58 minutes per night. This reduction is on average less than 10 minutes per night.
According to the study, the adverse effects of temperature-related sleep loss are expected to affect mainly low-income countries, including women and the elderly.
Older adults tend to go to bed later, wake up earlier, and experience less sleep during warm nights, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.
Rising global temperatures will reduce the amount of sleep we all get, as our bodies need a cooler environment for optimal sleep.
Kelton Miner, lead author of the study, said the body has the important ability to maintain a stable core body temperature, which is essential for our overall well-being. He said this nighttime fix helps blood flow to our feet and hands and regulates body temperature around it.
Miners also say that for this temperature to transfer effectively, the temperature of the environment around us must be lower than our body temperature.
