Losing Sleep in Heatwaves
Good sleep is essential for maintaining productivity. However, sleeping in a heatwave can be difficult if your house is too hot.
“Overheating can impair sleep quality and quantity which has consequential impacts on productivity through reduced concentration and alertness, general cognitive performance decreases or other means.”
MHCLG (2019) Research into overheating in new homes - phase 1 report
Indeed, some definitions classify a building as overheating by measuring night-time temperatures. CIBSE TM52 defines a bedroom as overheating if more than 32 hours of night-time temperatures (between 10pm and 7am) in a year exceed 26DegC.
In a heatwave in July 2022, overnight temperatures did not fall below 25 degrees in several locations¹. Heat waves are getting hotter, longer, and more frequent, and this trend is due to continue.
Keeping your house as cool as possible during daylight hours will also keep temperatures lower at night, facilitating better sleep for you and your household.
There are many effective ways to reduce the productivity and well-being impacts of overheating. Check out these solutions to get a better night's sleep.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/19/uk-hottest-night-on-record-as-temperatures-predicted-to-hit-40c
