The Best Temperature for Sleep

A lot of people have trouble sleeping in the summer. You’d think a warm and cozy bedroom would lead to a sound night of sleep, but sadly, it usually does the opposite. So, what is the best temperature for sleep? And how can you create an ideal sleeping environment?

The Best Temperature for Sleep

Do you sleep more easily when it’s chilly outside? Believe it or not, there’s a scientific reason for that. Our bodies have evolved to expect the temperature to dip at night. That decrease in temperature is a part of the environmental cues that tell our body it’s time to sleep. In addition to that, high temperatures can mess with your internal thermostat. The warmer a bedroom is, the tougher it can be for your body to regulate its own temperature to a comfortable level. These combined factors lead to the familiar sweaty, restless feeling we’ve all experienced when it’s too hot to sleep.

Sleep experts recommend setting your night-time thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. You should avoid temperatures higher than 75 or lower than 60, as they can make it difficult for you to achieve full and restful sleep. So, how can you keep your bedroom at the best temperature for sleep?

How to Cool Down Your Bedroom

For some folks, keeping their bedroom cool really is as easy as hitting a button on a thermostat. For others, finding that ideal sleeping temperature can be a challenge. If you're in the second group, don't sweat it. There's plenty you can do to beat the heat.

Buy the Right Mattress (and Accessories)

Despite what you may have heard, it’s not just foam memory mattresses that get hot at night. All mattresses are essentially made of insulating materials that retain heat. If you tend to get hot while you sleep, your mattress might be the culprit.

The number one way to help yourself with hot temperatures in the bedroom is to have the right mattress on your bed. If you think your mattress might be a part of the problem, not to worry. You can replace it with a new thermo-balance mattress, or another heat-wicking model, for a more comfortable night’s rest. If you’re not at the point you want to completely replace your mattress, consider purchasing some cooling accessories. A cooling mattress protector, pillows made of cooling materials, or even some new bamboo sheets can chill your bed down to a comfortable level. That way you can enjoy the other benefits a good mattress gives you without sacrificing coolness and comfort.

Other Tips to Cool Down at Bedtime

If you’ve already invested in a mattress and accessories to cool down your bedroom, hopefully your problem is solved. However, sharing a bed with someone else or making it through a summer heatwave can still be difficult if you overheat easily. If you need a little extra help keeping it cool while you sleep, try these tips from the Sleep Foundation:

• Take a hot shower or bath an hour before bedtime. This will briefly raise your internal temperature and give you time to cool down by bedtime.
• Use a dehumidifier to handle humidity, which will make it easier for your body to regulate its own temperature.
• Keep your bedroom blinds pulled during the day to make sure heat can’t build in your bedroom.
• Use fans or a portable AC unit to keep the temperature in your bedroom consistent, and open the window to encourage airflow.
• Consider relocating to the basement for sleep during particularly high temperatures.

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Keeping your bedroom at the best temperature for sleep can be difficult, but it's not impossible. Start with a good mattress and the right accessories, and try some of the above strategies if necessary. You'll be sleeping peacefully before you know it.

If you’re looking for a new mattress, stop by Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. We provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. We want you to adore your mattress, but if you're not happy, our return policy makes it easy for you to exchange or return your purchase. Please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.