A relaxing bedroom is a crucial part of a good night’s sleep, and temperature is one of the biggest influences on comfort. Adjusting the temperature of your room every night by just a few degrees can increase the length and quality of your sleep. But just like how people have different comfort preferences, they also have different preferences for sleep.
We’ll review what temperatures are ideal for sleep and why. Then, we’ll share some recommendations for HVAC equipment or accessories that could help improve sleep.
Your Body Is Designed to Cool Down During Sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal bedroom temperature is approximately 65 degrees. Your specific preferences will have an impact, so anywhere within 63-67 is a good rule of thumb. But why is a cooler temperature better to sleep in?
Sleep occurs in cycles, and this pattern is known as a circadian rhythm. Our bodies use information including the amount of light and heat around us to keep the circadian rhythm balanced with what’s required for healthy sleep. Since the sun’s warmth disappears at night, the circadian rhythm can interpret cooler temperatures as a better environment for sleep. This is why a cooler, darker bedroom is easier to fall asleep in than a room that’s hot and well-lit.
As you fall asleep, your body shuts down a lot of automatic processes that help regulate your internal temperature. For example, sweating helps dissipate excessive heat while shivering is the muscles’ attempt to warm themselves up. When you don’t regulate the temperature of your bedroom, even little changes can be strong enough to wake you up.
Keep Bedrooms Warmer for Infants and the Elderly
Infant children are still developing, and their smaller bodies are more reactive to changes in temperature. Slightly warmer temperatures around 67-69 degrees are ideal, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into consideration. Heavy layers could be too warm, and any parent will tell you that infants only have one way to show their dissatisfaction.
Tips for Fine-Tuning Sleep Temperatures
If you’re having trouble sustaining your ideal sleep temperature, there are a few pieces of HVAC equipment that can make a noticeable difference. These systems are particularly useful for families, as different preferences can lead to disagreements over the nighttime thermostat setting.
Zoning systems: A zoning system uses a series of dampers and levers in your ductwork to adjust airflow. If you want to adjust the temperature for a specific room or space in your home, a zoning system makes it quick and easy. Members of your family that want extra heat or air conditioning at night can use a zoning system to provide their ideal sleep temperature.
Ductless mini-splits: Sometimes existing equipment and personal preferences just aren’t compatible. Thankfully, a ductless mini-split can generate fine-tuned comfort for single rooms or smaller areas. As the name suggests, you don’t need any extra ductwork, which helps lower installation costs. These compact systems are perfect for rooms near unfinished spaces like the garage or attic.
Smart thermostats: These programmable thermostats are one of the simplest ways to make precise, energy-efficient adjustments to the indoor temperature. Intelligent programming can monitor how you use your HVAC system and offer the best daily schedule. So, if you want a cooler bedroom each night, a smart thermostat will automatically cool things down close to bedtime. They’re compatible with zoning systems and mini-splits too, expanding your control over the temperature in every room of the house.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling know. We can offer suggestions and quality products ideal for maintaining comfortable nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 804-302-6657.