Trying to fall asleep when your bedroom is at the wrong temperature is a frustrating experience. If it is too cold, you may find yourself trying to curl up and take advantage of your body heat. Eventually, you have to pull yourself out of bed to find extra covers. A room that is too warm will leave you tossing and turning as you try to kick off your blankets and find the cool side of the pillow.
At North Point Air Conditioning & Heating, our goal is to help you stay comfortable in every season. Our experience with heating and cooling systems will give you the consistent temperature you need for a good night’s rest. Most people spend about a third of their lives in bed, and we can help make those nighttime hours restful and refreshing.
The Need for Restful Sleep
Everyone on the planet must sleep to stay healthy. Your sleeping hours are more than just a way to recharge your batteries. Your body also uses this time to clean and reset itself. While you sleep, your brain cleanses itself of waste products, allowing you to start your day with mental clarity.
When you do not get enough sleep, it has negative effects on your health and well-being. The irritability and cloudiness that come from a sleepless night get worse over time. Sleep deficits can create feelings of anxiety, worry, and depression. They increase stress levels and all the dangerous side effects of chronic stress, too.
These effects are part of the reason that researchers are urging everyone to take sleep seriously. You want to find ways to prepare both your mind and body for a sustained period of rest. The temperature of your bedroom is an important factor in that preparation.
The Natural Sleep Cycle and Room Temperature
The process of falling asleep has always been a mystery. It is hard to explain what happens when you slip into this unconscious state. However, there have recently been more studies looking at what happens as you fall asleep. This research points to the best conditions for making the transition.
The sleep cycle has several stages. The process starts while you are awake. Like other animals, your body responds to natural light. As evening approaches, the sunlight dims. This change is a signal for your body to produce melatonin and other sleep-inducing hormones. During this time, your body temperature drops as much as two degrees below the normal 98.6. Your blood pressure also decreases as your metabolism slows down. You start to get that heavy feeling that tells you it is almost time for bed.
Once you are comfortable, your body goes through three pre-REM phases before entering the deep REM sleep stage. On a perfect night, you will go through this cycle several times without interruption. However, an uncomfortable room temperature can disrupt things during the pre-REM stages, resulting in shortened or missed sleep cycles.
Determining the Right Temperature
Finding your optimal sleep temperature can avoid a broken sleep pattern. If you are not sure where to begin, you might try setting the thermostat for 65 degrees. This setting is where most people find comfort. Because each body is different, you may need to experiment from there.
Other factors can affect your ideal temperature. If you prefer to sleep snugly under several covers, a cooler setting will feel more comfortable. On the other hand, if you sleep without the restriction of clothing, you may want a room temperature on the higher side.
With a well-maintained home climate system, you can rely on a consistent temperature throughout the night. Some people track their sleep using a journal at their bedside. New health devices and mobile apps will also monitor your activity while you sleep. With some trial and error, you can figure out the temperature that gives you an uninterrupted night.
Developing a Sleep Routine
A programmable thermostat can get your room to the ideal temperature before you go to bed. It is also beneficial to develop a personal sleep routine that prepares your body for rest. Because the sleep cycle is sensitive to light, it can be helpful to turn off screens about an hour before bed. Activities that slow you down like meditation, reading, or listening to calm music will also help you get ready.
Your Partner for Home Comfort
The Spring, Texas, area experiences both hot summers and cool winters. You need a partner that will keep your home comfort systems running smoothly. The team at North Point Air Conditioning & Heating is happy to help with the expert repair, maintenance, and installation of your heating and cooling systems. We can also improve your home climate with indoor air quality services. Contact us today to learn more.