What is the Ideal Temperature for Sleep?

The day has come to an end and it’s finally time to relax, unwind, and settle in for a good night’s sleep. Do you snuggle up with a good book? Maybe you turn on your favorite TV show. Or perhaps you’re one of those who simply drifts off the minute your head hits the pillow. However you prefer to fall asleep, chances are it’d be near impossible to do so if the temperature in your bedroom had you sweating bullets or your teeth shivering.

You see, a comfortable temperature is an essential part of getting a restful night’s sleep so that you can perform at your best the next day. Read on to learn how to find that sweet spot.

The Ideal Temperature for Sleep

According to the Sleep foundation, the ideal temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees F. This is based on the circadian rhythm, the pattern in which we sleep where our bodies absorb information about our surroundings such as light, sounds, and temperature. Quiet, darker, and cooler rooms are generally easier to fall asleep and stay asleep in than those that are noisy, bright, and hot. As we drift off to sleep, our bodies shut down automatic processes that regulate body temperature like shivering or sweating. This is why even the smallest temperature change can be enough to wake us up.

Infants are even more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature so their rooms should be kept slightly warmer, around 68 degrees. But keep sleepwear in mind – too many warm layers can make them feel too hot and awaken.

Tips for Setting Just the Right Temp

If you live alone, setting the right temperature is easy. But if there are other household members to consider, pleasing everyone can become a challenge. Avoid thermostat squabbles with these helpful tips.

• Supplement heating or cooling. Not a long-term or energy-efficient solution but if you like the room temp at 65 while your visiting in-laws prefer 68, crack a window open or run a fan in your bedroom, or add a heated blanket or space heater to theirs.
• Install a smart thermostat. Take control of your indoor comfort with a smart thermostat that takes “notes” on how you use your heating and cooling systems and uses that info to create a daily schedule. So if you set the daytime temp at 67 but prefer 64 at night, it will automatically cool things down for you. Or you can program personalized settings based on your schedule.
• Consider a zoned heating and cooling system. Controlled by two or more thermostats, a zoned system redirects airflow through ductwork. Place the main living area on one zone and bedrooms on another. Or add a third zone to the primary bedroom for ultimate control. Since you will no longer heat or cool unoccupied areas of the house, you’ll save on utility costs as well.
• Add a ductless mini-split. A ductless mini-split can deliver fine-tuned home comfort where you need it. Perfect for those instances when existing HVAC systems or a homes’ design don’t allow for the comfort level you desire. What’s more, with no duct work needed, quick and easy installation, and whisper quiet operation, ductless air is also a great solution for a room addition, finished attic or basement, or a garage workspace.

And who better to help you sleep better night after night than the heating and cooling specialists at Correct Temp. We have a variety of home comfort solutions up our sleeves, many that don’t even require new equipment. Contact us today to learn how to achieve year-round indoor comfort, day and night.