A relaxing bedroom is an important element of a good night’s sleep, and temperature is one of the largest influences on comfort. Fine-tuning the temperature of your room each night by just a few degrees can benefit 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 discuss what temperatures are ideal for sleep and why. Then, we’ll share some recommendations for HVAC equipment or accessories that might help improve sleep.
Your Body Is Designed to Cool Off During Sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal bedroom temperature is about 65 degrees. Your personal preferences can have an impact, so anywhere between 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 called the circadian rhythm. Our bodies take in information such as the quantity of light and heat around us to keep the circadian rhythm in sync with what’s required for healthy sleep. Since the sun’s warmth disappears at night, the circadian rhythm interprets 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 slows a lot of automatic processes that help maintain 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 noticeable enough to wake you up.
Keep Bedrooms Warmer for Infants and the Elderly
Infant children are still developing, and their smaller bodies are more sensitive to changes in temperature. Slightly warmer temperatures around 67-69 degrees are ideal, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into account. Heavy layers can be too warm, and any parent can tell you that infants only know one way to express dissatisfaction.
Tips for Fine-Tuning Sleep Temperatures
If you’re having trouble reaching your ideal sleep temperature, there are a few pieces of HVAC equipment that can make all the difference. These products are particularly useful for families, since different preferences can lead to disagreements over the nighttime thermostat setting.
Zoning systems: A zoning system has a series of dampers and levers in your ductwork to alter the direction of airflow. If you want to adjust the temperature for a particular room or space in your home, a zoning system makes it quick and convenient. Members of your family that prefer extra heat or air conditioning at night can use a zoning system to provide their ideal sleep temperature.
Ductless mini-splits: Sometimes current equipment and personal preferences just aren’t compatible. Luckily, a ductless mini-split can offer fine-tuned comfort for single rooms or smaller areas. As the name suggests, you don’t need any additional ductwork, which helps lower installation costs. These compact systems are useful for rooms near unfinished spaces like the garage or attic.
Smart thermostats: These programmable thermostats are one of the easiest ways to make precise, energy-efficient adjustments to the indoor temperature. Intelligent programming can record how you use your HVAC system and offer the best daily schedule. So, if you prefer a cooler bedroom at night, a smart thermostat will automatically cool things down close to bedtime. They’re compatible with zoning systems and mini-splits too, bolstering your control over the temperature in every room of the house.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Bell Mechanical Services
If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let Bell Mechanical Services know. We can offer suggestions and quality products perfect for maintaining cozy nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 888-863-0560.