When heatwaves hit cities, the effects go beyond sweltering days. Warm nights can also keep people awake, leading to discomfort and sleeplessness. Recently, Melbourne soared to 42 degrees, while Sydney experienced highs of 31 degrees in the city and 37 degrees in the west, with humidity making it feel even hotter. Nighttime temperatures in both cities lingered around 23 degrees, making restful sleep a challenge.
This week, Melbourne is expected to enjoy cooler nights, but Sydney faces worsening heat. By Saturday, temps in Sydney and surrounding regions may reach the low 40s, with overnight lows of 24 degrees or more. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore notes that a heatwave occurs when temperatures are significantly higher than usual for at least three consecutive days. The lack of cooler nighttime temperatures makes recovery tough for many.
Narramore explains, “During the day, if it’s hot, but cool at night, people can recover. But without air conditioning, when the night temps stay high, it leads to major problems.” Extreme heat costs Australia over $6 billion annually due to lost productivity and impacts public health. Professor Ollie Jay, director of the Heat and Health Research Centre in Sydney, highlights that high temperatures have been linked to increased rates of stillbirths and heart attacks.
Hot nights are particularly problematic. Jay points out, “Humidity complicates things. When it’s humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate, leading to discomfort.” His colleague, Dr. Harry Brown, is studying how heated environments, with and without fans, affect sleeping patterns. Initial findings show that while many acclimatize to heat, not everyone sleeps well, with discomfort caused by pooling sweat on beds.
Emma Bacon, head of Sweltering Cities, shares that many people suffering in extremely hot homes report sleepless nights. This has significant physical and mental health effects, especially among older adults and those with chronic illnesses. Bacon states, “When the heat doesn’t let up at night, it affects recovery, anxiety, and overall well-being.” She perceives a collective tension in cities during heatwaves as sleepless nights affect entire communities.
To beat the heat, experts suggest practical measures for better sleep. Keeping windows and doors closed during the day helps keep homes cooler. Fans can be a low-cost way to enhance comfort, especially when paired with air conditioning. Dampening skin with a wet towel can also provide relief.
Significantly, the Insulation Council of Australia has been advocating for improved housing standards. Proper insulation could help homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, ultimately benefiting health. Though air conditioning use is expected to rise during this heatwave, the Australian Energy Market Operator assures that grid capacity can handle the surge. Planning in advance helps manage demand spikes typically seen in February.
As the climate continues to change, understanding the impact of heatwaves on health and productivity becomes essential. The effects resonate far beyond mere discomfort – they shape our communities, economies, and quality of life.
