What helps you feel comfortable and relaxed as you settle in for the night? Perhaps it’s your favorite TV show, a good book, or a hot cup of tea. What about the temperature in the room? While people don’t give it too much thought, a comfortable temperature plays a key role in helping Temperature you get a restful night’s sleep. In fact, it would be hard to enjoy that book or TV show if you’re teeth-chattering cold or sweating bullets. Read on to learn more.
Temperature and Sleep
According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal temperature for sleeping is approximately 65 degrees F (give or take a few degrees). The recommendation is based on the sleep pattern known as the circadian rhythm – a 24-hour cycle that is part of the body’s internal clock. Our bodies absorb information about our surroundings, such as the amount of light, noise, or heat in a room. A cooler, darker room is generally easier to fall asleep in than one that is too warm and well-lit. When properly aligned, a circadian rhythm can promote consistent and restorative sleep.
As we fall asleep, out bodies shut down several automatic processes that help regulate internal temperature, such as shivering and sweating. Once that occurs, even the most subtle atmospheric change, like bedroom temperature, can be enough to interrupt our sleep.
Adjust the Temperature for Infants
If you have an infant at home, you know how valuable sleep is. An infants’ smaller body is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so to help them sleep more soundly, keep the room slightly warmer (around 67-69 degrees F). Don’t forget to factor in sleepwear and blankets; too many layers can make them feel too warm and disrupt their sleep.
How to Get Just the Right Temp
Getting your bedroom to just the right temperature for sleep can be a challenge, especially if there are other household members to consider. Here are a few tips for eliminating arguments over the thermostat and please everyone in your home.
- Install a smart thermostat. One of the simplest and most convenient ways to take control of your indoor temperature is with a smart thermostat. The intelligent programming takes note of how you use your heating and cooling systems to create an intuitive daily schedule. So, if you prefer a cooler bedroom at night, your smart thermostat will automatically cool things down for you when it’s time for bed. But don’t worry, you can also program personalized settings based on your household’s day-to-day needs.
- Consider a zoned system. A zoned heating and cooling system, controlled with two or more thermostats, uses a series of dampers and levers to redirect airflow through the ductwork. Place the main living area on one zone and bedrooms on another. Or place your bedroom on an entirely separate zone for the ultimate in bedroom control. Plus, a zoned system will save you money on heating and cooling costs since you won’t need to heat or cool unoccupied rooms or areas of the house.
- Go ductless. If your home’s design, your existing HVAC equipment, or your personal preferences just can’t see eye to eye, a ductless mini split can deliver fine-tuned indoor comfort in a single room or area of your home. With no ductwork needed, easy installation, and whisper-quiet operation, a ductless air system also can be the perfect solution for a room addition, finished attic, or converted garage.
At Eagle Service Company, we do more than provide year-round indoor comfort. We can help you and everyone in your home sleep more soundly night after night. Contact us today to learn how we can turn your heating and cooling systems into ultimate sleep enhancers.
