Rising Night Temperatures Linked to Sleep Deprivation, Study Reveals
As the climate warms, a restful night’s sleep is becoming increasingly elusive. A report by Climate Central indicates that higher nighttime temperatures are reducing sleep quality worldwide.
Analyzing data from 2020 to 2025, the study highlights a global average of 56 hours of sleep lost annually per person, equating to nearly a week of sleep deficit. Of these, 6 hours are directly attributed to climate change, according to the report. Kelton Ray Minor, a behavioral science professor at the University of Copenhagen, emphasizes the severe health impacts of inadequate sleep caused by hot nights.
“When people are forced to sleep less, they have much worse cognitive functioning the next day,” Minor stated, pointing out the importance of sleep in regulating body temperature, mood, and overall health.
Particularly vulnerable to these effects are groups such as homeless individuals, incarcerated persons, seniors, and children. Minor explains, “In most locations where it’s hotter at night, you see this sort of increase in the air’s capacity to withhold moisture, and this sponge can act as sort of a blanket that keeps temperature warm near the ground where people sleep.”
The report outlines that residents of Reno experience 21 hours of sleep loss annually due to heat, 4 of which are linked to climate change. Despite appearing minimal, Reno is recognized as one of the fastest warming cities in the U.S.
Minor advocates for equitable access to cooling resources in places like Reno to ensure everyone can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep. He also notes the financial burden of maintaining a cool environment at night, recommending day-time cooling strategies to promote better sleep.
