A relaxing bedroom is a key aspect 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 benefit 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 provide some recommendations for HVAC equipment or accessories that might 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 should have an impact, so anywhere around 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 called the circadian rhythm. Our bodies use information such as the amount of light and heat around us to keep the circadian rhythm in balance with what’s required 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 sleep in than a room that’s hot and well-lit.

As you fall asleep, your body stops 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 sensitive to changes in temperature. Slightly warmer temperatures around 67-69 degrees are best, but make sure you’re also taking sleepwear and blankets into consideration. Heavy layers may 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 all the difference. These products 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 redirect airflow. If you want to adjust the temperature for a specific room or space in your home, a zoning system makes it quick and easy. Members of your family that want 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. Luckily, a ductless mini-split can deliver fine-tuned comfort for single rooms or smaller areas. As the name implies, you don’t need any additional ductwork, which helps lower 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 most convenient 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 day-to-day schedule. So, if you like a cooler bedroom each night, a smart thermostat will automatically cool things down close to 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 Precision Mechanical

If your HVAC system is the reason you can’t fall asleep, let Precision Mechanical know. We can offer recommendations and quality products perfect for maintaining comfortable nighttime temperatures. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 605-206-3766.