Britain's longest heatwave since 1976 has caused a surge in sleeping problems, leaving people tired, irritable, and less productive at work, according to sleep experts. Record temperatures of up to 32.4C have made it difficult for many to get proper rest in uncomfortably warm bedrooms.
Dr Michael Farquhar, a consultant in sleep medicine at Evelina Children's Hospital in London, said: 'I'm very aware of people reporting more difficulties sleeping as the temperature increases, both personally and professionally. It's a phenomenon we're becoming used to as we have yet another London summer where bedroom temperatures are regularly sitting at 30C.'
Experts blame the lack of air conditioning in British homes, which are designed to retain heat rather than keep cool. Dr Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert, noted that between 30% and 50% of his patients have reported heat-related sleep issues. 'People can have their sleep massively impacted,' he said.
The ideal bedroom temperature for sleep is between 16C and 18C, but many homes are far warmer. High humidity exacerbates the problem by hindering sweat evaporation. The result is fitful sleep, increased wakefulness, and next-day effects including irritability, sluggishness, and impaired judgment.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard of the Royal College of GPs advised using fans, thin cotton sheets, eating light dinners early, and limiting alcohol. Dr Farquhar recommended cool showers, iced water, or freezing pillowcases to aid sleep.
