Rising temperatures around the world are having a devastating impact on our sleep health, with studies suggesting that the prevalence of sleep apnea is expected to increase by as much as threefold due to climate change.
As nights get hotter and hotter, the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular and mental health conditions increases. But researchers are now warning that this may be linked not just to poor sleep quality but also to an actual increase in sleep apnea events - a condition where people stop breathing dozens or even hundreds of times during the night.
One eye-opening study found that when under-mattress sleep sensors were given to 67,558 people across 17 European countries, the prevalence of sleep apnea events increased by 13% at the peak of a heatwave. The risk was also greater during humid nights, with every 1 degree Celsius increase in nighttime temperature corresponding to a 1.1 percent rise in sleep apnea events.
The researchers predict that if global warming progresses as expected, the number of people affected by sleep apnea could increase by 1.2- to threefold by the end of the century. Those living in cities will be particularly at risk due to chronic air pollution, which can make nighttime breathing more difficult and exacerbate existing health disparities.
The connection between heat and sleep is complex, but it's thought that high temperatures impair our body's ability to cool down at night, leading to lighter, more fragmented sleep - and a greater risk of apnea events. Nitrogen dioxide, in particular, is a strong airway irritant that can promote inflammation and increase the risk of sleep apnea.
While there are many potential explanations for this correlation, researchers are now pointing to possible ways of mitigating risk, including using indoor air filtering devices and losing weight - particularly for those who are overweight or obese. By taking simple steps such as staying hydrated when going to bed, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of apnea events during heatwaves.
The true extent of the impact on sleep health is still unclear, but one thing is certain: rising temperatures are having a profound effect on our ability to get a good night's sleep.
As nights get hotter and hotter, the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular and mental health conditions increases. But researchers are now warning that this may be linked not just to poor sleep quality but also to an actual increase in sleep apnea events - a condition where people stop breathing dozens or even hundreds of times during the night.
One eye-opening study found that when under-mattress sleep sensors were given to 67,558 people across 17 European countries, the prevalence of sleep apnea events increased by 13% at the peak of a heatwave. The risk was also greater during humid nights, with every 1 degree Celsius increase in nighttime temperature corresponding to a 1.1 percent rise in sleep apnea events.
The researchers predict that if global warming progresses as expected, the number of people affected by sleep apnea could increase by 1.2- to threefold by the end of the century. Those living in cities will be particularly at risk due to chronic air pollution, which can make nighttime breathing more difficult and exacerbate existing health disparities.
The connection between heat and sleep is complex, but it's thought that high temperatures impair our body's ability to cool down at night, leading to lighter, more fragmented sleep - and a greater risk of apnea events. Nitrogen dioxide, in particular, is a strong airway irritant that can promote inflammation and increase the risk of sleep apnea.
While there are many potential explanations for this correlation, researchers are now pointing to possible ways of mitigating risk, including using indoor air filtering devices and losing weight - particularly for those who are overweight or obese. By taking simple steps such as staying hydrated when going to bed, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of apnea events during heatwaves.
The true extent of the impact on sleep health is still unclear, but one thing is certain: rising temperatures are having a profound effect on our ability to get a good night's sleep.
. I mean, I've been noticing that hot summers are super hard to fall asleep in and waking me up like crazy during the night. And now scientists are saying it's because of sleep apnea? That's wild. 
. And the part about nitrogen dioxide being an airway irritant? Yikes! That's just another reason to stay indoors when it's hot outside.
. We need to find ways to work with nature instead of against it. Or at least have a plan for when our air gets that toxic.
its like ur body just gives up lol. climate change is like, literally the worst 
. and now we gotta worry about sleep apnea too? its like our bodies are already stressed out enough. and cities? forget about it, pollution is like a whole other level of toxic. guess thats why they say "heat stress" not "good vibes" 
. anyone else tryin to stay hydrated at night or do i need 2 start using air purifiers too? 
and melting ice caps... it's about our health, too. My kid is always fussy at night, and now I'm worried it might be due to sleep apnea 
. Makes total sense that air pollution would play a role in this though... have you guys tried using those indoor air purifiers? Been looking into getting one for my place 
but losing weight and using indoor filtering devices might be some good starting points for people who arent already healthy 
. Losing weight and using indoor filters could be a good start, but I think we need more awareness and research on this stuff. We can't just sit back and wait for the effects of climate change to hit us - we need to take action now 
.
We need to start taking this stuff seriously and find ways to adapt before we end up like some kinda sleep-deprived zombie apocalypse 
it's all connected anyway... heat = bad sleep + inflammation = worse health problems 
climate change and how it's messing with our sleep. I mean, can you imagine waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air? Not a pretty thought 
. And cities are going to be hit hard due to pollution, which is already bad enough. What can we do? I think we need to take steps like using air filters at home and staying hydrated before bed. It's not rocket science 
, but it does feel like we're in uncharted territory.
. And it's not just the heat itself, it's the air pollution too... I mean, have you ever woken up feeling all congested and stuffy? That's what happens when you're breathing in that bad air 
. Anyway, I guess losing weight and using air filters is a good start, but we need to do way more than that to address this whole climate crisis. We gotta take care of our planet, folks! 
What's even scarier is that cities will be the worst hit due to air pollution, which is a major concern already. We need to start taking care of ourselves during these heatwaves - staying hydrated, using air filters, losing weight if needed... it's all about being proactive and looking out for each other 
.
It might not be the most glamorous task, but trust me, it's worth it for better sleep and overall health.
And what about all those heatwaves we'll be having? That's when you wanna make sure your body is ready for a good night's sleep. Don't let the temp get in the way of a solid Z! 
But I guess it's better than nothing. Staying hydrated when bed time is a good tip too... I'll definitely be trying that out. 
. We need to start thinking about ways we can 'regulate' our own lives, too, especially when it comes to our environment and how it affects us 
.