Increasing temperature in the world leads not only to climatic disasters, but also to less noticeable but dangerous consequences - sleep disorders. Particular attention is paid to night temperatures, which are increasingly exceeding the 27 ° C mark. A new study published in the Nature Communications , showed that night heat seriously affects the quality of sleep and provokes the development of obstructive apnea in a dream (OAS).
After analyzing the data of 116,000 people from 41 countries, scientists have found an alarming pattern: in hot nights, the frequency of episodes of apnea increases by 45 %, especially in people with already increased AHI index. This leads to frequent awakening, impaired breathing and impaired health. In the long run-to chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease and a decrease in quality of life.
But this is not just a medical problem. According to scientists, in 2023 alone, humanity lost more than 785 thousand years of healthy life due to sleep disorders caused by heat. Economic losses - about $ 30 billion in 29 countries, mainly due to the fall in productivity of non -poured workers.
The problem is especially acute in countries where air conditioners are not standard. Climatologist Nick Obradovich notes that even without a diagnosis, people begin to fall asleep later and wake up earlier, which reduces the deep phases of sleep. And Bastien Leshat's sleep expert adds that if the global temperature increases by another 1.8 ° C, the number of cases of apnea in a dream can increase three times by the end of the century.
In order to reduce the negative effects of heat, experts advise:
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use fans or air conditioners;
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choose a light blanket and cooling mattresses;
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ventilate the room at night or in the morning;
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Avoid heavy food and alcohol at bedtime.
Sleep is no less important for survival than food or water. And in the context of climate change, concern for sleep quality becomes a matter of paramount importance.
