A recent survey has found that the UK's intense heatwave in late June left millions of people struggling to sleep, highlighting the growing health impacts of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. According to the YouGov poll commissioned by Greenpeace UK, around two-thirds of respondents said they experienced disrupted sleep during the sweltering nights, with nearly half reporting they lost at least three hours of sleep each night. The findings reinforce scientific research showing that rising global temperatures are making it harder for people to get adequate rest.

The survey comes as another heatwave grips parts of England, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures climbing into the mid-30s Celsius across southern regions later this week. Meteorologists expect highs of up to 35°C in isolated areas, marking the third official heatwave of the summer and increasing concerns over public health, infrastructure, and workplace safety.

Beyond sleep disruption, the June heatwave had a widespread impact on daily life. Around 86% of respondents said their homes became uncomfortably hot, while one in four reported that they or someone in their household felt physically unwell because of the extreme temperatures. Many people also cancelled social or outdoor plans, and about one in five said they had to discard food that spoiled because it could not be kept cool during the prolonged hot weather.

Health experts warn that extreme heat continues to pose a serious risk, particularly for vulnerable groups. Previous data from the UK Health Security Agency estimated that more than 10,000 people died due to summer heatwaves between 2020 and 2024. While the full impact of this year's June heatwave has yet to be calculated, experts expect it to have contributed to hundreds or even thousands of excess deaths.

The poll also highlighted growing concern about the UK's preparedness for rising temperatures. More than half of respondents said their homes require improvements such as better insulation, ventilation, or cooling measures to cope with future heatwaves. However, nearly 80% admitted they would struggle to afford these upgrades. Many participants supported introducing a levy on major polluting companies to help fund climate adaptation measures, while very few favored raising personal taxes.

Climate experts have repeatedly warned that the UK is not adequately prepared for increasingly severe heatwaves. The Climate Change Committee has urged the government to accelerate efforts to adapt homes, workplaces, and public infrastructure, arguing that the country was built for a cooler climate that no longer exists. Recent record-breaking temperatures, including 37.7°C recorded in Norfolk and unusually warm overnight temperatures across England and Wales, demonstrate how rapidly conditions are changing.

Medical professionals also emphasize that poor sleep during heatwaves has consequences beyond fatigue. Higher overnight temperatures can reduce workplace productivity, increase the risk of accidents, affect students' academic performance, and contribute to mental health challenges. The survey found that 60% of workers experienced excessively hot workplaces during the June heatwave, with many reporting reduced productivity and some feeling their working conditions had become unsafe.

Environmental organizations say the findings underline the need for stronger climate action and greater investment in heat resilience. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, experts argue that improving housing, protecting workers, and expanding public health measures will be essential to reducing the growing human and economic costs of extreme heat.