Climate Change and Sleep Loss in Indian Cities

Why in News?

A recent study has revealed that rising night-time temperatures, driven by climate change, are reducing sleep duration in major Indian cities. Among the cities studied, Chennai recorded the highest annual sleep loss.

Key Highlights

• The study found that increasing night-time temperatures linked to climate change are shortening sleep duration across India’s major urban centres, leading to cumulative public health impacts.
• Warmer nights reduce the body’s ability to cool itself, disturbing natural sleep cycles and increasing the risk of fatigue, lower productivity and mental health concerns.
• The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, rapid urban expansion, shrinking green spaces and extensive concrete infrastructure have intensified heat retention, making cities significantly warmer during the night.
• Vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of prolonged heat exposure.
• The findings highlight the need to integrate climate adaptation measures into urban planning, housing design and public health strategies to reduce heat-related risks in rapidly growing cities.

Key Concepts

Urban Heat Island (UHI)

• Urban Heat Island refers to the phenomenon where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to dense construction, limited vegetation and human activities.

Climate Adaptation

• Climate adaptation involves adjustments in natural and human systems to minimise the adverse impacts of climate change and enhance resilience.

Circadian Rhythm

• Circadian rhythm is the body’s internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and several other physiological processes over a 24-hour period.

Way Forward

• Increase urban green cover and develop blue infrastructure such as lakes and wetlands to moderate city temperatures.
• Encourage climate-responsive urban planning, including cool roofs and heat-resilient building designs.
• Strengthen heat action plans, early warning systems and community preparedness to minimise health risks.
• Integrate climate adaptation into public health policies and urban governance.
• Promote sustainable urban development practices that reduce the Urban Heat Island effect and improve overall livability.