Most of us like to sleep snug as a bug under covers, but did you know that burrowing under layers of blankets isn’t exactly the best for your body? In fact, there are proven health benefits to sleeping in cooler temperatures.
Here are just some of the advantages of sleeping in a cold room—and tips for reducing the temperature while you snooze.
- It can help you manage your weight. Who doesn’t want to lose weight without going to the gym? Studies have shown that exposing yourself to cooler temperatures can help raise your metabolism. Despite not moving much, your body actually burns calories while you sleep — so go ahead and snooze with the A/C on and let your body do the rest.
- You’ll look your best. The deeper your slumber, the more melatonin you’ll produce. Not only does melatonin help you get restful sleep, but it’s your body’s natural anti-aging compound. So, how does that work? When you sleep in warmer temperatures, the hot air can dehydrate you, which wrinkles your skin and clogs your pores. Cooler temps, however, can help close pores and restore moisture to your skin.
- It regulates body temperature. Staying under the covers with your head exposed is the healthiest way to sleep. While the rest of your body stays warm, your head will remain cool, ensuring that you remain at an overall consistent temperature.
- It can lead to better physical and mental health. Getting a good’s night sleep in cool air is the cornerstone of keeping your body and your mind healthy and energized for the day ahead. Your brain processes so much while you sleep that it’s the only way to physically recharge. Additionally, sleep studies have shown that symptoms of diseases, such as sleep apnea and fibromyalgia, may decrease when sleeping in cooler temperatures.
- You’ll just sleep better. Your body’s temperature naturally decreases after you fall asleep. This is why it’s common to feel cold when you wake up in the middle of the night, even when it’s summertime. By lowering the temperature in your room, you’re encouraging those Zs. If you’re sleeping in a cooler room, your body temperature will drop more quickly. This sends you to super-efficient REM sleep faster instead of wasting time just waiting for sleep to come to you.
Tips for sleeping cooler
Sometimes sleeping in cooler temperatures isn’t always as easy as getting up and punching a couple of buttons on the air conditioner. Try these ideas:
• Sleep with fewer clothes on. This one’s kind of a no-brainer; removing your clothes should let your skin cool off more, right? But you don’t necessarily have to sleep completely in the nude. Try just removing your pants. If you wear a sweatshirt to bed, change into a T-shirt instead. Sleeping in lightweight all-natural fabrics, like cotton, will enable your body to breathe as you sleep, keeping you from overheating.
• Stick your feet out of your covers. It can make a difference when it comes to cooling down. If you find yourself feeling too cold with your bare feet exposed on the bottom of your bed, you could always try keeping them beneath the sheet. Just make sure your comforter isn’t covering them.
• Turn on a fan. The great thing about fans is that, while they don’t lower the temperature of the air, they can dry sweat as it cools on your body. This in turn can help lower your core temperature just enough to see results.
• Get the temperature just right. Studies have shown that there is actually a near-perfect temperature to sleep in that will prevent you from becoming too blazing hot or freezing cold. Believe it or not, the ideal temperature falls between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a thermostat in your home, make sure you check that it’s set at an optimal temperature before you hit the hay.
At the end of the day, a good night’s sleep is essential to keeping you healthy and ready to tackle the challenges that each day brings. Trying to sleep in cooler temperatures could be the key to improving your health.
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