Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Climate Change Doubles Global Sleep Loss
Climate change is making nights warmer, which is causing people to lose more sleep.
On average, people around the world lose about 56 hours of sleep each year because of high temperatures, and more than 10% of that is because of climate change.
This sleep loss is worse in some places like the Middle East, South Asia, and West Africa.
Warmer nights can make people sick, especially those who are already vulnerable, like babies, older adults, and pregnant women.
It's important to address climate change to protect people's health and well-being.
Climate change has doubled temperature-related sleep loss since the 1970s.
Global average sleep loss due to high temperatures is nearly 56 hours per year.
Over 10% of sleep loss is attributed to climate change.
Regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and West Africa are most affected.
Increased nighttime temperatures can lead to serious health issues.
- Who
- Global populations, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and West Africa.
- What
- Climate change has doubled temperature-related sleep loss since the 1970s.
- When
- The analysis covers the period from 2020 to 2025.
- Where
- Across 1,338 major global cities.
- Why
- Due to increased nighttime temperatures caused by climate change, primarily from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Climate Change Impact
Skeptical Views
Impact on Sleep
Climate Change Impact
Climate change has significantly increased temperature-related sleep loss, with global average sleep loss nearly doubling since the 1970s.
Skeptical Views
Some argue that the impact of climate change on sleep is overstated and that other factors contribute more significantly to sleep loss.
Health Implications
Climate Change Impact
Increased nighttime temperatures due to climate change are linked to serious health issues, including cardiovascular conditions and reduced life expectancy.
Skeptical Views
Critics suggest that the health impacts are exaggerated and that adaptation measures can mitigate these effects.
Global Disparities
Climate Change Impact
Lower-income populations and vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by climate change-related sleep loss due to poor housing and lack of air conditioning.
Skeptical Views
Others believe that technological advancements and adaptation strategies can reduce these disparities.
- Global Sleep Loss
- Nearly 56 hours per year due to high temperatures, with over 10% attributed to climate change.
- Regions Most Affected
- Middle East, South Asia, and West Africa.
- Health Impacts
- Increased risk of strokes, cardiovascular conditions, and mortality.
- Vulnerable Groups
- Infants, the elderly, and pregnant women.
- Urban Heat Island Effect
- Higher nighttime temperatures in cities compared to surrounding areas.
- Record Nighttime Temperatures
- Cities in the Middle East reached lows of 36°C (96.8°F) in 2025.