Everyone has their favorite temperature during the day. As you are lounging on your chair and reading a book, you want the thermostat to be just right for comfort. However, did you know that this temperature might not be the best for when you are sleeping? Sleep quality depends on your surrounding climate as well as a number of other factors. Let us take a close and detailed look at the connection between room temperature and sleep quality.

Warm Temperatures

Warm temperatures are generally not helpful for a sound night of sleep. When preparing for sleep, your body naturally lowers its internal temperature. When the temperature of the room drops accordingly, it can help to regulate your body’s temperature. While it is far from impossible to sleep in a hot home, this type of climate works against what your body is trying to accomplish. You might find that it takes you longer to fall asleep as well.

In the middle of the night, you might be unusually restless and fidgety. It’s a common misconception that just because the temperature drops at night, you don’t have to adjust the thermostat. Make sure all three things are working in the same direction – the outside temperature, your thermostat and your body temperature.

Cool Temperatures

On the other hand, cool temperatures are amazing for sleeping well. As mentioned above, your body, especially your brain, naturally wants to cool down before it shuts off for the night. If you can adjust the thermostat appropriately, you’ll be well on your way to a great night of sleep. In addition, not only will you fall asleep faster, but you will remain asleep longer. We’ve all had those nights where we constantly wake up to use the bathroom and stretch. Cool temperatures condition your body to stay asleep throughout the whole night. When morning arrives, you’ll find that your muscles are nice and relaxed.

60 Degrees

60 degrees Fahrenheit is at the lower end of the recommended range of temperatures. This is a pretty cold temperature on its own, and it might be a target that you aim for during the winter. We understand the desire to keep things on the colder side to save energy, and 60 degrees is perfect for sleeping as well.

Don’t be afraid of such a cold setting at night. If things become too chilly, you can always layer on a few blankets. The most important thing is that your head is exposed. Cooling is largely directed at your brain, so a cool head and a warm body is perfect for sleeping.

67 Degrees

67 degrees is the upper end of the recommended range of temperatures. In the summer, you don’t want to turn things down too much as that might overwork your unit. At the same time, you want to set yourself up for a terrific night of sleep. 67 degrees is a great compromise between the two factors. A little bit of change really goes a long way. If you currently use a setting such as 70 degrees, try turning the thermostat down by a few degrees. It will make it so much easier to get into a natural sleeping rhythm.

Room Temperature for Children

A similar principle is true for children, although to a lesser extent. The ideal temperature range for infants and children is a few degrees higher than what is listed above. If you have zones set up in your home, the bedroom where your children sleep can afford to be a few degrees higher than your bedroom. Sleep quality is extremely important to adolescent development. Without a good night of sleep, they aren’t able to grow and transition into puberty. Because quality of sleep is so critical to children, don’t overlook the impact that a moderately cool climate can have on their rest.

Adjusting Room Temperature

In conclusion, there is a very real connection between room temperature and sleep quality. When the temperature lies outside of this range, you’re not setting yourself up for an optimal night of sleep. In order to perfect the temperature, a service such as S.O.S. Heating & Cooling in Salt Lake City, Utah, can install a new smart thermostat for you and your family. We’re also ready to take care of all your heating, cooling and water heater needs. Give our office a call, and let us show you how we can serve your climate comfort needs.