Hello to all
. Another sleepless week has fallen upon me and I didn’t really know where I wanted to take this weeks post. Earlier in the first semester I did a blog post surrounding the temperature of your shower water and how studies showed that lukewarm water is ideal for a good nights rest. Well, I figured room temperature could have something to do with it as well. There are some people who definitely have preferences. Normally they, A. swear the room has to be piping hot or B. demands the room becomes Antartica. But which one does science back up? I am definitely a type B person. Even during the 17 degree nights here in State College, my window is wide open. Its definitely interesting that science suggest you should sleep in a cold room for better rest but I still can’t seem to sleep.
Science Behind It
Due to our circadian rhythm, as our bodies get colder our bodies release more melatonin. Sleeping in rooms over 70 degrees actually halts the release of melatonin which is why during those hot summer nights you may just toss and turn. So what temperature should my room be Jada? Glad you asked. Scientist say that 66 degrees is the perfect temperature for a restoring nights rest. Along with good sleep, there are other benefits that come with having a cold room. Cold sleeping environments are prov
en to help prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes. It also enhances your overall mood. Serotonin is the precursor to melatonin meaning, melatonin is made from it! But what if my room never gets cold? Ah, another great question. Besides the obvious “turning on the AC” or “opening a window” there are other alternatives, especially if you’re living with someone else who may not enjoy a cold room. One solution is investing in a gel mattress topper. Memory foam toppers are great, but they also tend to trap more heat. Another solution is investing in blackout curtains. Not only does it regulate the temperature in the room but it ensure’s that no light can disrupt the melatonin production. Is it even safe to sleep in a cold room? It sure is. For those worried about getting sick, the main reasons why people get the common cold is not from actually being cold but instead poor air circulation, lack of vitamin D and of course bad sleep schedules!
More Info & References:
https://airfuji.com/does-cold-air-kill-germs-what-about-heat/
https://www.countryliving.com/life/news/a44587/sleeping-cold-room/
https://curiosity.com/topics/this-is-why-you-should-sleep-in-a-cold-bedroom-curiosity/
I thought that this was really interesting to learn about how temperature can affect sleeping patterns. I am definitely a “type B” as you described. I was also surprised that the recommended temperature was only 3 degrees lower than a temperature too warm. I would have thought that it would be low sixties rather than 67 degrees.
Great post, it looks like there are gender differences in temperature preference and how much energy we burn trying to maintain a good temperature to be able to fall asleep, who knew!
I always love sleeping in the cold and maybe now I know why! This post was very interesting and definitely needed in my life. I life how you have such a conversational tone—it keeps the topic fun and light. I would like to see a little more proof besides ‘scientists claim’ but other than that, great work.