Scientists worldwide have consistently expressed concern regarding climate change and the problems it causes. It is also having various negative impacts on human health. Experts are warning the public about the issues arising from the intense heat witnessed in recent years.

Heat does not just cause discomfort during the day; it has an effect that we often experience but fail to recognize as serious. High temperatures lead to issues such as night sweats, frequent tossing and turning, restlessness, and waking up feeling as though one hadn't slept at all—problems that are troubling many people.

Rising temperatures in India are also affecting people's sleep. A study has revealed that Indians are losing hours of sleep annually due to hot and humid nights. Surprisingly, South India and the country's major cities appear to be the most affected by this issue.

Experts have expressed concern that sleep deprivation can increase the risk of various serious illnesses, potentially placing a significant burden on healthcare services.

**Reduced Sleep Raises Concerns**

Medical reports indicate that a good night's sleep is just as essential for health as a nutritious diet and regular exercise. So, what happens if your sleep duration decreases year after year?

Health experts state that, initially, you might simply feel fatigued.
You may also experience daytime drowsiness, a lack of focus at work, or difficulty waking up in the morning.
However, the consequences of chronic sleep deprivation can be far more severe.
It can increase the risk of conditions ranging from high blood pressure, heart health issues, and metabolic disorders to life-threatening diseases like cancer.

The report also highlights the issue of sleep loss due to hot nights in major cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. The situation is reported to be even more critical in certain parts of South India.

**What Did the Study Reveal?** According to a report by Climate Central, people in many parts of the country are losing dozens of hours of sleep annually due to hot and humid nights. Climate change is no longer merely a weather-related issue; it is now affecting people's sleep, health, and productivity.

Studies indicate that a healthy body requires between 2,920 and 3,000 hours of sleep per year.
The report reveals that residents of Puducherry are losing an average of 92 hours of sleep annually.
People in Andhra Pradesh are losing an average of 88.6 hours of sleep, while those in Kerala are losing 88.3 hours.

The impact of hot nights has also intensified rapidly in major cities. Chennai tops the list, with individuals losing an average of 93 hours of sleep per year. This figure stands at 84 hours for Mumbai, 80 hours for Kolkata, and 66 hours for Delhi. Experts believe that rapid urbanization and the expansion of concrete structures have exacerbated this problem.

**The problem has doubled in 50 years**

The report analyzes 1,338 cities worldwide, including those in India. According to the study, sleep loss attributed to climate change has nearly doubled compared to the 1970s. Between 2020 and 2025, individuals globally lost an average of 56 hours of sleep, with more than 10 percent of this loss directly linked to climate change.

Climate scientists state that the increasing use of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases have led to a steady rise in temperatures. If emissions are not effectively controlled, this problem is likely to worsen in the coming years.

Meanwhile, health experts explain that when nighttime temperatures remain high, the body struggles to recover from the day's heat, making it difficult to achieve deep sleep. If such a condition persists for a long time, the risk of problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and mental stress or depression increases.

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