Britain is currently experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35C (95F) by the end of the week. The intense heat is leading to widespread sleep difficulties, with a poll indicating that up to two-thirds of people are finding it hard to sleep during unseasonably warm nights.
Amber heat health alerts are in effect for southern England, East Anglia, and the Midlands until Saturday evening. Forecasters predict that Thursday and Friday nights could be classified as 'tropical nights,' where temperatures remain in the low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) throughout the night, a condition more typical of daytime summer weather.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by Greenpeace, surveyed 2,135 individuals and found that 67% struggled to sleep during June's heatwave, with nearly half reporting a loss of at least three hours of sleep per night. Additionally, 86% of respondents stated their homes were too hot, and a quarter reported feeling physically unwell due to the heat. Approximately 20% had to cancel plans because of the high temperatures.
More than half of those polled believe their homes require upgrades like air conditioning to cope with future heatwaves, but 78% indicated they would find such improvements unaffordable. Nearly half of respondents expressed support for a levy on highly polluting companies to fund necessary upgrades.
The poll also highlighted the impact on workplaces, with 60% of people reporting their offices were too hot, and 10% feeling their working conditions were unsafe. Mel Evans, head of climate at Greenpeace UK, stated that the poll reveals the