Sleeping In A Cold Room May Be Better For You

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Many people (myself included) are quite picky about the conditions needed for that perfect night’s sleep. I can never fall asleep in a warm room (I love sleeping under lots of blankets), and I always need to fall asleep listening to some sort of ambient noise (usually a ceiling fan).

If you, too, require a cold room to have a good night’s sleep, you’re already way ahead of the curve. Scientific research suggests that sleeping in a cold room offers many long-term health benefits. According to Dr. Christopher Winter, the optimal temperature for sleeping is anywhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above 75 degrees and below 54 degrees is thought to be disruptive to sleep.

Why? Well, Dr. Winter explains that our body temperatures follow a natural pattern of highs and lows during a 24-hour period. Sleep usually occurs during the time when body temperature starts to decline due to decreased heat production, resulting in increased heat loss. Dr. Winter adds that research suggests cooler body temperatures tend to lead to deeper, more undisturbed sleeps.

Sleeping in a hot or humid environment has been shown to increase wakefulness and decrease the ability to reach a deep sleep. You’re probably familiar with the feeling of waking up after a restless night. You feel groggy, less alert, and probably drag your feet the entire day. So it’s not surprising that sleeping within the suggested temperature range highlighted above can lead you to feeling more awake, energetic, and clear-headed after emerging from a good night’s sleep.

There are a number of things you can do to make your sleep cooler and more enjoyable. The most obvious of which being to simply turn down the dial on your thermostat. If your home doesn’t have a central air conditioning system, consider buying a portable unit for your bedroom, or at least buying a few different fans.

You should also stay away from bedding that traps heat in (silk, fleece, flannel) and opt for something breathable (cotton). You can also buy gel mats that you place on top of your mattress, as they work to regulate the sleeper’s temperature throughout the night. Additionally, do away with the long-sleeve and pant pajamas! You will likely be more comfortable in a short-sleeve shirt, shorts, or nightie.

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Although everyone has different sleeping preferences, you should consider sleeping in a cooler temperature (if you don’t already). Science has shown the many health benefits, and a cooler temperature could be the secret to a better sleep for you and your family.