A comfortable bedroom is an important element of a good night’s sleep, and temperature is one of the strongest influences on comfort. Tweaking the temperature of your room at night by just a few degrees can improve the length and quality of your sleep. But just like how people have varying comfort preferences, they also have varying preferences for sleep.

We’ll discuss what temperatures are beneficial for sleep and why. Then, we’ll share some recommendations for HVAC equipment or accessories that could 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 within 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 known as a circadian rhythm. Our bodies take in information such as the amount 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 dissipates at night, the circadian rhythm can interpret 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 shuts down a lot of automatic processes that help maintain your internal temperature. For example, sweating helps dissipate excess heat while shivering is the muscles’ way of warming themselves up. When you don’t regulate the temperature of your bedroom, even minor 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 reactive to changes in temperature. Slightly warmer temperatures around 67-69 degrees are ideal, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into consideration. Heavy layers can be too warm, and any parent will tell you that infants only have one way to show their 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 a big difference. These systems are particularly useful for families, because different preferences can lead to butting heads over the nighttime thermostat setting.

Zoning systems: A zoning system employs a series of dampers and levers in your ductwork to alter the direction of airflow. If you want to adjust the temperature for a specific 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 existing equipment and personal preferences just aren’t compatible. Thankfully, a ductless mini-split can deliver fine-tuned comfort for single rooms or smaller areas. As the name implies, you don’t need any new ductwork, which helps lower installation costs. These compact systems are great for rooms near unfinished spaces like the garage or attic.

Smart thermostats: These programmable thermostats are one of the simplest ways to make precise, energy-efficient adjustments to the indoor temperature. Intelligent programming can record how you use your HVAC system and establish the best day-to-day schedule. So, if you like a cooler bedroom each night, a smart thermostat can automatically cool things down at 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 Gilray Heating and Cooling

If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let Gilray Heating and Cooling know. We can offer suggestions and quality products perfect for maintaining comfortable nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 715-301-0727.