UK to grow to be nation of zombies as heatwave sparks record-breaking ‘tropical nights’
With back to back tropical nights where temperatures are not expected to dip below 21C, Brits are set to become a nation of shambling sleep zombies
We’re set to become a nation of zombies(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Knackered Brits are set to walk around like zombies after two of the hottest nights in May history. Monday saw the first-ever tropical night in May as temperatures never went below 21C.
And conditions are set to continue on Tuesday night as Brits bake in bed after another 35C scorcher.
It has left millions walking around in a daze, desperate for some shut-eye in the sweltering conditions. Experts have shared their top tips to improve our kip in the roasting temperatures, including using fans and icy water.
Sleep counsellor Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, from bed firm TEMPUR, said: “To ensure the bedroom is cool come night time, keep curtains or blinds closed throughout peak sunlight hours, especially if the room faces the sun.
“A strategically placed electric fan can provide a welcome, consistent and cooling breeze. For a super-powered dose of cool, place a bowl of icy water in front of your fan to help circulate colder air around the bedroom.”
Thomas added: “Feeling clammy and sticky is guaranteed to prevent you feeling comfortable in bed, so try taking a cool shower before bed and leave your hair damp to keep you cooler for longer.”
Elsewhere, an amber heat health alert in place in several regions has been extended by 24 hours to Thursday.
The UK Health Security Agency said amber alerts for the South West, South East, London, East and West Midlands and the East of England will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, along with yellow alerts for the North West and North East.
For those areas, The UK Health Security Agency warned of “significant impacts” likely across health and social care services.
This included “a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions”.
Alex Hudson, an engineer for firm Dyson, warned that “hot still air can make it harder for the body to regulate temperature at night, disrupting sleep.”
He added: “At the same time, indoor pollutants such as dust and pollen can build up in bedrooms overnight, which may worsen symptoms like congestion or irritation that interfere with rest.
“Purifiers that circulate a steady stream of smooth, cooling airflow can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment, while also capturing airborne particles quietly.”
The Star previously revealed what we’ll look like if we continue to get just six hours of sleep a night.
Dubbed ‘Hannah’, the slouched-over, grumpy, red-eyed sleep zombie paints a grim image of how a lack of zzz’s makes us look rough as hell.
Many said she even resembles Gollum from Lord of the Rings and looks “like she’s in her 90s, not 50s”.
