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England is once again facing soaring temperatures as another heatwave grips large parts of the country, with new research revealing that the extreme heat is taking a growing toll on people's health, sleep and daily lives.
A recent survey conducted by YouGov for Greenpeace UK found that nearly two-thirds of people struggled to sleep during the intense heatwave at the end of June. Almost half of those surveyed said they lost at least three hours of sleep each night due to uncomfortably warm overnight temperatures.
Scientists say the findings reflect a broader global trend, with climate change making heatwaves more frequent and severe. Researchers have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures are disrupting sleep patterns, affecting both physical and mental health.
The UK Met Office has forecast another spell of extreme heat this week, with temperatures expected to reach around 32°C on Tuesday, rising to 34°C by Thursday in southern England. Some isolated areas could experience highs of 35°C on Friday and Saturday, increasing concerns over public health and infrastructure.
According to the survey, 86% of respondents said their homes became unbearably hot during the June heatwave. Around one in four reported that either they or someone in their household became physically unwell because of the extreme temperatures.
The heat also disrupted everyday life. Nearly 20% of people cancelled social or work-related plans, while a similar proportion said they had to throw away spoiled food because it could not be kept cool.
Health experts warn that the full human cost of the recent heatwave has yet to be calculated. Previous data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that more than 10,000 people died from heat-related causes between 2020 and 2024, highlighting the increasing danger posed by extreme summer temperatures.
The survey also found growing support for improving homes to withstand future heatwaves. More than half of respondents said their properties need upgrades such as improved insulation and cooling measures. However, 78% admitted they could not afford the necessary improvements.
When asked how these upgrades should be funded, almost half supported imposing a levy on highly polluting companies. Only a small minority—around 5%—favoured increasing personal taxes.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has repeatedly warned that the UK's infrastructure is not prepared for increasingly extreme weather. Earlier this year, the committee said the country was "built for a climate that no longer exists" and called for urgent action to improve resilience.
During the June heatwave, temperatures reached 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, while overnight temperatures remained exceptionally high, setting new records with 23.5°C in Wales and 23.2°C in England. These so-called "tropical nights" make it difficult for the human body to cool down, severely affecting sleep quality.
Climate and health specialists say poor sleep caused by prolonged heat can reduce workplace productivity, increase the risk of accidents, negatively affect students' academic performance and contribute to worsening mental health.
Businesses have also been affected. Around 60% of survey participants said their workplaces were excessively hot during the heatwave, while more than a quarter reported reduced productivity. Nearly one in ten employees said they worked in conditions they considered unsafe.
The Climate Change Committee has recommended that the UK government introduce maximum legal temperature limits for both indoor and outdoor workplaces to better protect workers during periods of extreme heat.
As climate experts continue to warn that hotter summers are becoming the new normal, pressure is mounting on policymakers to strengthen heat adaptation measures and invest in infrastructure capable of protecting communities from future extreme weather.
