Two Unexpected Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep

Having a good night’s sleep is about more than just not being sleepy the next day.  Sleep deprivation can contribute to health problems such as obesity, an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.  Not getting enough sleep can also cause forgetfulness, poor decision making, and anxiety.

As the American Academy of Sleep Medicine points out, “The only sure way for an individual to overcome sleep deprivation is to increase nightly sleep time to satisfy his or her biological sleep need; there is no substitute for sufficient sleep.”  Unfortunately, for many of us, getting a good night’s sleep is not as easy just counting some sheep and heading off to dreamland.

You may not have realized this but both your bedroom’s temperature and its humidity level can impact your sleep.

How Temperature Impacts Sleep

Experts have stated that ideally your bedroom temperature should be set between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.  The human body cools down in the evening as part of the falling asleep process, and a cool room can help make that happen easier.  However, don’t turn the thermostat down too far.  If the room is too chilly, your muscles will contract while trying to help you stay warm, which means that you never truly relax while sleeping.

A programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, can help make sure that your room is always set at the right sleep temperature every night.

How Humidity Level Impacts Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation recommends a humidity level of 30-50% for optimal sleeping conditions.  Why?  Because too much humidity contributes to mold growth, which can aggravate the sleep of allergy sufferers.  Plus, humid air feels warmer, which can make you toss and turn at night.

On the flip side, a room that is too dry can also interrupt your dreams.  Dry air causes dry throats, stuffy noses, sneezing etc….  None of which are beneficial to sleep.

If you find that you are struggling with maintaining the right amount of humidity in your home, you can always add a humidifier and dehumidifier to your HVAC system.

Looking for more information about keeping your home comfortable?  Contact us at FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical.  Sweet Dreams!