Sleep Experts Say: Keep Your Room This Cool at Night

I cannot sleep if I am too hot. Multiple times throughout my life, I've been in situations either camping or staying at places where the AC units are on the fritz, and I just lay there awake all night long.

Amp Up the AC!

With the extreme heat wave we've been having, air conditioners are working overtime to keep up. HVAC service folks are booked up with repair calls as everyone is desperate to stay cool and comfortable.  I have a confession, though. Even with our AC purring along as smoothly as can be (thank you, Schwartz), we still sleep with the ceiling fan on.

What is the Average Summer Sleeping Situation?

What is the average summer sleeping situation? I know none of us are trying to pay an outrageous utility bill, but I just can’t be uncomfortable in my own house.  I refuse to bump our thermostat up higher than 70 degrees right now.

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Circadian Rhythm

The Sleep Foundation has determined that a person’s sleep quality is determined by their circadian rhythm, also known as the body’s “master clock.”  A room’s lighting, smell, sounds, and temperature can all play a part in how well your body can rest.  As well as other things, including diet, exercise, and hydration.

What Happens While You Sleep?

Have you heard of Melatonin? It is a sleep hormone produced by your body as it cools during a typical sleep cycle. If you find you’re having trouble sleeping, you can buy it in gummy form at the pharmacy, or you can try lowering the thermostat in your bedroom.  Once your body reaches its most restful stage, it stops regulating its temperature. That’s why you’ll sometimes wake up sweaty or even freezing.

What Do the Experts Say?

According to the Sleep Foundation, “most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.”

I’d much rather pile on the blankets and snooze in a meat locker than strip down to my skivvies and still be sticky and hot. My sweet husband, Michael, likes to be warm, so he will sometimes sleep in a hoodie and sweatpants. I would say that’s a better alternative to dealing with me if I am tired and grumpy.

What about you? Do you sleep better if the room is cold? Or do you need to be snug as a bug?