Like many people, you might find it to be more comfortable at night when the air conditioning is running or a fan is aimed at you. This is due to the fact that warmer temperatures affect our quality of sleep.

If a room is cooler, your body is naturally going to be cooler, as well. And the cooler your body is, the better chance you have of getting a good night’s sleep. 

It isn’t shocking to learn that a large portion of society is experiencing difficulty sleeping at night, especially in recent years. With rising climates all around, many people simply aren’t getting the rest they need.

But how can this be? Why are people suddenly seeming to get less sleep at night? Let’s explore some data first to help you better understand why this is.

Changes at Night

Before you tuck yourself in for the night, your body goes through some changes. These changes can begin to occur at any time in the afternoon or evening. This is naturally done so that your body is better prepared for a solid night’s rest.

At around midday, you’re the core temperature of your body starts to gradually drop. This is technically referred to as thermoregulation. By lowering your internal temperature, you will feel more relaxed and ready for bed by the time bedtime rolls around.

This natural need for cooler temperatures at night is why many people prefer a cold room at bedtime. Similar to how we sweat when it’s swelteringly hot or shiver when it’s freezing, our bodies are designed to self-regulate itself for any given situation. 

So when the temperatures around us get hotter than what our bodies are used to, there’s bound to be some pushback. When this happens, our bodies can no longer regulate themselves as easily as they once had. 

It can take some time before your body acclimates to the changes in temperature, resulting in disrupted sleep.

What Happens When It’s Too Hot

There’s a lot to take into consideration as it relates to temperature and sleep. If it’s too hot to comfortably fall asleep, you will undoubtedly toss and turn most of the night. And if you aren’t able to experience the necessary stages of sleep at night, you’re going to feel it the next day.

Known as slow-wave and REM, these two sleep stages are incredibly important. Without them, our bodies can have difficulty repairing cells, resulting in illnesses and less of an ability to fight them off. This is because the immune system is unable to improve itself when there isn’t sufficient sleep.

Furthermore, you are likely to feel foggy throughout the day, with poor memory emotions and moodiness. Your body will also find it very taxing to perform tasks that are usually quite easy for you. 

With more recent studies on sleep over the last 20 years, we now know that temperature and sleep are very closely related. If there are even small changes to external temperatures, your body is likely to notice it, leading to a night of insufficient sleep.

It’s important to know what to do when you are faced with difficulty sleeping due to warmer temperatures. Taking action and sleeping smart can make all the difference in the rest your body gets at night.

Getting Great Sleep

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting a good night’s rest. You may need to lower your bedroom’s temperature using an air conditioning unit or fan. 

It also pays to trade thick blankets and sheets for ones made with thinner, lightweight materials. Instead of using flannel, for example, consider opting for cotton, silk, or other fabrics that are breathable. This will ensure better airflow and less perspiration while you slumber.

Try not to exercise or perform strenuous activities in the evening. You don’t want to do anything that could counteract your body’s natural process of lowering its core temperature.

You might also want to think about blocking your windows so that sunlight and heat don’t penetrate your bedroom throughout the day. This will help keep your room cooler at night. 

With the proper precautions and some proactive planning, you can ensure that you stay cool tonight and get the rest your body and mind needs.