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

We’ll discuss what temperatures are ideal for sleep and why. Then, we’ll offer some suggestions for HVAC equipment or accessories that can help improve sleep.

Your Body Is Designed to Cool Down During Sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal bedroom temperature is approximately 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 balanced with what’s needed for healthy sleep. Since the sun’s warmth disappears at night, the circadian rhythm interprets 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 slows a lot of automatic processes that help regulate your internal temperature. For example, sweating helps dissipate excess heat while shivering is the muscles’ attempt to warm themselves up. When you don’t regulate the temperature of your bedroom, even minor changes can be strong 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 best, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into account. Heavy layers can be too warm, and any parent will tell you that infants only know one way to express dissatisfaction.

Tips for Fine-Tuning Sleep Temperatures

If you’re having trouble maintaining your ideal sleep temperature, there are a few pieces of HVAC equipment that can make all the difference. These systems are especially useful for families, because different preferences can lead to disagreements over the nighttime thermostat setting.

Zoning systems: A zoning system employs a series of dampers and levers in your ductwork to redirect airflow. If you want to adjust the temperature for a particular room or space in your home, a zoning system makes it quick and convenient. Members of your family that enjoy 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 generate fine-tuned comfort for single rooms or smaller areas. As the name implies, you don’t need any additional ductwork, which helps save on installation costs. These compact systems are ideal 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 improvements to the indoor temperature. Intelligent programming can learn how you use your HVAC system and offer the best daily schedule. So, if you like a cooler bedroom every night, a smart thermostat can automatically cool things down near bedtime. They’re compatible with zoning systems and mini-splits too, expanding your control over the temperature in every room of the house.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Home Comfort Heating & Air

If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let Home Comfort Heating & Air know. We can offer suggestions and quality products perfect for maintaining cozy nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 763-276-0617.