Did you know that room temperature affects sleep?
In fact, there is an ideal room temperature for sleeping. And when your room is calibrated at or near this temperature, you can get a more restful, regenerative sleep.
Because sleep is so important for overall health and wellness, this simple tweak can have a tremendous effect on your life.
Here’s what you should know about sleep and room temperature
What Is The Ideal Room Temperature for Sleeping?
The ideal room temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aren’t great with scales, imagine a moderately cool room and you pretty much have it.
Why is this the ideal sleeping temperature? It has to do with how most people’s bodies react to hot and cold weather.
When you’re sleeping, too much heat can make you uncomfortable. This can lead to you waking up, or having your sleep cycle interrupted. (See the next section for more.)
When it’s too cold, the same thing applies. If it’s too chilly, you might have a tough time getting the consistent rest you need. And since some people sleep “hot” while others need a cool room to feel comfortable, 65 degrees is a good middle ground.
Why Does Sleeping Temperature Matter?
The benefits of ideal sleeping temperatures have to do with our body’s natural sleep cycles.
Sleep scientists have identified four different stages of sleep. Your body runs in 90 to 120-minute “cycles” where it moves through these four stages. And at each stage, different physiological processes take place in the body.
For example, stage 1 and stage 2 are lighter sleep states. You’re getting some rest, but you can easily be woken up during these stages.
Alternatively, stage 3 and stage 4 (the latter also being called “deep sleep”) is when your body really settles into rest. Memories are stored, organs and muscle tissues are repaired and things like heart rate and body temperature go down to conserve energy.
If you’ve ever been woken up and felt very groggy for a while after, it’s likely that you were interrupted during one of the deeper stages of sleep.
Ways to Stay Cool at Night
Having trouble sleeping through the night? Interested in seeing how your body responds to sleeping at cooler temperatures?
Any of the following tips can help cool down your room and help you get more restful sleep. Try:
- Opening a window
- Sleeping with the fan on
- Setting the AC a few degrees cooler before bed
- Using a cooling pillow
- Using microfiber sheets
- Using a thinner blanket
Everyone’s different, so it might take a few nights to find an ideal temperature to sleep at for you. But if you start waking up feeling more refreshed than normal, that’s a good sign!
Cool Sleeping Temperatures
The ideal room temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderately cool temperature helps your body reach deeper levels of sleep. In these stages, true rejuvenation and healing take place, giving you energy for the next day.
Want additional health and wellness ideas? Check out our blog for more.