Enhancing Sleep Quantity May Aid in Planet Conservation

In the heart of Oregon, the city of Salem has been experiencing some of its hottest temperatures on record, with days reaching upwards of 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This scorching heat is particularly felt by residents like Tim Gruver, who lacks air conditioning at home.

Tim, a resident of Salem and a worker at Dicke's Safety Products, a warehouse manufacturer, struggles during the night hours. His home's lack of air conditioning forces him to drink excess water due to sweating and dehydration, leading to restless sleep and frequent bathroom trips.

The housing crisis, exacerbated by inflation, has made affordable, comfortable housing increasingly difficult. Regions like the West Coast, the Northeast, and parts of the South have seen significant rental increases. In cities like Savannah, Georgia, and Flint, Michigan, rent prices have soared by 27% and 58% respectively between 2021 and 2022. In Flint, the poverty rate stands at a staggering 37%, while Savannah's is at 20%.

The passing of Senate Bill 1536 establishes air conditioning as a right, but landlords continue to push back with fines and threats, particularly for those in low-income housing. This struggle is not unique to Salem; it's a nationwide issue.

Dr. Rifkin, a renowned expert in the field, suggests that sleeping alone or utilizing an AC or fan are some of the best methods to combat high nightly temperatures. He urges city, state, and national governments to hasten their plans to exact equitable sleeping standards.

The importance of sleep is often overlooked, according to Dr. Rifkin. Adequate sleep not only preserves resources but also plays a crucial role in cognitive control functions such as attention and impulse inhibition. Good quality sleep boosts the strength and functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for creating and maintaining new habits and living more consciously.

However, a lack of sleep can worsen and even cause anxiety disorders. The rising number of climate-related crises is causing a surge in eco-grief and anxiety, affecting around 68% of U.S. adults. The first night effect (FNE), a phenomenon that occurs when sleeping in a new environment, can exacerbate this anxiety, particularly for those who have been displaced by natural disasters.

Dr. Rifkin is hopeful that adequate sleep-related care and consultation can become more integral and accessible in the medical field. He also emphasizes the potential impact on the environment. A lack of sleep can lead to less intentional and eco-conscious decisions, as the prefrontal cortex's influence on decision-making is diminished.

In an effort to combat chronic, cross-generational burnout, the community-building network Nowadays on Earth aims to reset the parasympathetic nervous system. This initiative, along with the push for equitable sleeping standards, offers a glimmer of hope for those like Tim Gruver, who are struggling to get a good night's sleep in the face of soaring temperatures and a housing crisis.

Enhancing Sleep Quantity May Aid in Planet Conservation