The Climate Question: Is climate change ruining our sleep?

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Episode details

World Service,·21 Jun 2026,·25 mins

Parts of India have been facing extreme heat – with temperatures soaring past 46 degrees Celsius. But a less familiar story unfolds after dark. When temperatures stay high after sunset, an essential human need is threatened: sleep.

Scientific research suggests that hot nights are leading many of us around the world to lose shut-eye already. Our bodies need to cool down to fall asleep – but hotter nights make that much harder. And the impacts go way beyond just feeling tired; disrupted sleep has links to poor cardiovascular health and depression. Women, children, the elderly and those living in hot countries with less income are most affected.

As global temperatures rise due to climate change, experts warn that the impact on our sleep – and our health – will only worsen.

In this edition of The Climate Question, host Graihagh Jackson speaks to sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock and BBC Marathi reporter, Janhavee Moole. They explore how rising temperatures are disrupting sleep in India and beyond – and share practical tips on how to stay cool in a warming world.

Producers: Graihagh Jackson, Janhavee Moole and Grace Braddock
Sound Mix: Ben Andrews and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts