A comfortable bedroom is an important element of a good night’s sleep, and temperature is one of the strongest influences on comfort. Fine-tuning the temperature of your room at 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 varying preferences for sleep.
We’ll learn what temperatures are ideal for sleep and why. Then, we’ll share some suggestions 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 personal preferences will 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 happens in cycles, and this pattern is called the circadian rhythm. Our bodies use information including the quantity of light and heat around us to keep the circadian rhythm in sync with what’s necessary 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, dark bedroom is easier to sleep 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 small changes can be influential enough to wake you up.
Keep Bedrooms Warmer for Infants and the Elderly
Infant children are still developing, and their smaller bodies are more in tune to changes in temperature. Slightly warmer temperatures around 67-69 degrees are best, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into account. Heavy layers can be too warm, and any parent will tell you that infants only have one way to express dissatisfaction.
Tips for Fine-Tuning Sleep Temperatures
If you’re having trouble finding 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, since different preferences can lead to butting heads over the nighttime thermostat setting.
Zoning systems: A zoning system uses a series of dampers and levers in your ductwork to redirect 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 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 implies, you don’t need any additional ductwork, which helps reduce installation costs. These compact systems are ideal for rooms near unfinished spaces like the garage or attic.
Smart thermostats: These programmable thermostats are one of the most convenient 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 day-to-day schedule. So, if you want a cooler bedroom every night, a smart thermostat can automatically cool things down around bedtime. They’re compatible with zoning systems and mini-splits as well, bolstering your control over the temperature in every room of the house.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep with The Frazier Company
If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let The Frazier Company know. We can offer suggestions and quality products ideal for maintaining cozy nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 402-628-0206.
