
As global temperatures rise, sleeping well is becoming an increasing challenge. So why is it so much harder to sleep when it’s hot? There are a few reasons:
Body Temperature Regulation:
The body naturally cools down as part of the sleep process. High temperatures interfere with this cooling process, making it harder to fall asleep.
Increased Wakefulness:
Heat can cause restlessness and increase the number of times you wake up during the night, leading to fragmented sleep.
Decreased REM Sleep:
Studies have shown that high temperatures can reduce the amount of time spent in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is important for memory consolidation and overall sleep quality.
Discomfort and Sweating:
Excessive heat can cause sweating and discomfort, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Dehydration:
Hot temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can cause discomfort and wakefulness.
Increased Heart Rate:
The body works harder to cool down when it’s hot, which can increase heart rate and make it harder to relax and fall asleep. _________________________________________________________________________________________
By taking steps to cool your sleeping environment and your body, you can reduce these challenges and improve your sleep quality.
So what’s the target?
The ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping well is typically between 16-19°C. Maintaining this temperature range can help facilitate the body’s natural drop in core temperature required for sleep onset and maintenance thereby promoting a deeper and more restful sleep.