Why do you get less sleep when it's hot outside?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Why could you get less sleep as the temperatures rise?

Let's connect the dots.

Hot and humid summer nights are nothing new, but they could be costing us shut-eye.

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A new study found when nighttime temps get above 86 degrees, on average, we lose 14 minutes of sleep. Researchers found the elderly, women, and people in low-income areas were the most impacted.

And the more temperatures rise, the more sleep you lose.

And while 14 minutes of sleep doesn't sound like a big deal, it can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

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According to the Washington Post, losing sleep can cause obesity, heart problems and even early death.

Researchers say the ideal sleep zone is actually pretty cold, between 63 and 69 degrees.

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