How Indoor Temperatures Can Affect Sleep Patterns

Homeowners in Sugar Land, TX know that during the hot, humid summer it can sometimes be difficult to properly regulate indoor temperatures effectively for consistent comfort. Whether too hot or too cold, less than ideal indoor temperatures can make us uncomfortable and unproductive. This can be even more of a problem when it affects our ability to get a good night’s sleep, and can worsen things for those with general sleep disorders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50-70 million adults in the Unites States have some type of sleep disorder. Failure to obtain enough sleep has been linked to a variety of serious problems including traffic accidents, depression, diabetes, and obesity. It is important therefore to identify factors that might be causing or contributing to your inability to sleep, and take corrective action.

The Room Temperature Approach for Better Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation indicates that although there is not one set sleep temperature that works for everyone, if the temperature changes to above 75 degrees Fahrenheit or below 54 degrees Fahrenheit, your rest is likely to be interrupted. If you are too hot or too cold, you may find it difficult to fall asleep, or you may be waking up frequently. A cool room is said to be ideal for a good night’s rest.

Thermostat Settings

To use your thermostat efficiently and to save energy, there are specific settings recommended based on daily routines. You can also program your thermostat so that temperatures will be ideal when you go to bed, and throughout the night.

As your HVAC system cycles on in response to changing temperatures, the starting and stopping sounds can interfere with sleep. Be sure to set up routine maintenance to ensure that as your system works to keep you comfortable, it does so as quietly and efficiently as possible.

Energy Audit

Your HVAC technician can also help you to determine if your home is being cooled or heated efficiently by conducting an energy audit. An energy audit will uncover sources of energy waste such as from poor insulation, or from leaks in windows, doors or ducts. If your home is not energy efficient, apart from increased energy bills, it will be difficult to keep comfortable.

Ceiling Fans

Turning on your ceiling fan can also help with circulating more comfortable air. Just remember to set the blades to spin anti-clock in the hot months, and clockwise during the winter months.

Bedding

Keeping cool and comfortable also means taking a look at your bedding. Many people find it difficult to part with their comforters even during the height of summer. Losing the thick bulky comforter is one way to keep cool and increase savings as you will be able to increase the thermostat setting as well.

Cooler Heads

Research (although based on a small sample) has shown that the brains of insomniacs tend to have a higher level of activity and higher frontal lobe metabolism. Researchers found improvement by using a “cooling cap” which cooled the surface of the brain. If you have difficulty sleeping, it could help to get rid of unnecessary pillows or items at the head of the bed, and any head coverings such as scarves, that might keep your head warm.

Watch Your Daytime Activity

Your daytime activity can impact your sleep pattern in many ways. Daily exercise and a proper diet can help you to have better sleep. You also need to be mindful of activities in your home that increase heat levels. You can help to keep your home cool in the summer for example, by choosing meals with shorter cooking times, keeping doors, windows, and window treatments closed during the day, and keeping lights off when not in use.

Why Temperature Impacts Sleeping Habits

Body temperature drops during the second stage of sleep, and continues to its lowest temperature after about four hours of sleep. A cooler room, therefore makes it easier for you to stay asleep. Temperature extremes will only worsen sleep disorders.

The Power of Ideal Indoor Temperatures

Improving indoor temperatures for a better night’s sleep has overall benefits for health including improving alertness and the immune system, regulating hormones, and re-energizing the brain and body — all of which help us to be more relaxed and productive.

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can be detrimental to your health on both a short-term and a long-term basis. While there are many factors that can contribute to lack of sleep, indoor temperatures should not be one of those factors. Fortunately, indoor temperature problems are an easy fix.

Contact Conditioned Air Mechanical HVAC Services for fast and efficient solutions. Call us at (281) 561-6911 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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