Record heat waves, exacerbated by climate change, are causing widespread sleep loss across Europe, affecting physical and mental health. A recent poll showed 65% of UK adults struggled to sleep during a June heat wave. Scientists warn of increasing health and socioeconomic inequalities, urging adaptation.
Columbia University research shows chronic, mild sleep deprivation (5-6 hours/night) can lead to weight gain, increased sedentary time, and higher risks for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, challenging modern lifestyles.
A new poll reveals that the recent heatwave in England caused mass sleep deprivation, with two-thirds of people struggling to sleep. Almost half lost three hours of sleep nightly. The heatwave also impacted homes, health, and businesses, leading to calls for polluters to fund necessary upgrades.
Endocrinologist Zukhra Pavlova warns that lack of sleep can increase anxiety, loneliness, and even lead to joint problems. A recent study linked poor sleep to social isolation, particularly in evening chronotypes, and warned of long-term effects like depression in middle-aged women.
