Jakarta, ThedailyID — Rising nighttime temperatures driven by climate change are reducing sleep duration for millions of people worldwide, according to a new analysis by Climate Central.
The report, titled “Climate Change is Costing People Sleep,” found that hotter nights have made it harder for people to get enough quality rest between 2020 and 2025.
Researchers estimated that people lost an average of 56 hours of sleep each year because of excessively warm nights. About six of those hours were directly linked to additional warming caused by climate change.
The study said the total sleep loss equals nearly seven nights of missed sleep annually. Around one of those nights can be attributed to climate change.
The human body naturally lowers its core temperature before sleep. However, high nighttime temperatures interfere with that process, making it harder to fall asleep and remain in deep sleep.
Climate Central found the greatest impact in regions that already experience warm nights. Cities across the Middle East recorded some of the highest levels of climate-related sleep loss. Parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia also experienced significant effects.
The study reported similar findings in Indonesia. Residents of Jakarta, Bekasi, and Tangerang lose an estimated 84 hours of sleep each year because of hot nights.
People living in Bogor lose around 75 hours annually, while those in Serang lose about 90 hours. Researchers estimated that six to eight hours of those losses each year result directly from climate change.
Older adults face the highest risk of heat-related sleep disruption. The report said people aged 65 and above are about twice as likely to experience sleep problems as middle-aged adults. Women, people living in lower-income countries, and residents of already hot climates also face greater risks.
Experts recommend keeping bedrooms as cool as possible by using fans or air conditioning where available. They also advise choosing breathable bedding, improving room ventilation, and avoiding heavy meals, intense exercise, or caffeinated drinks before bedtime.
While these habits may improve sleep quality, researchers warn that continued warming could make restful sleep increasingly difficult for people around the world.
