To improve sleep quality, keeping your room at the right temperature is essential. According to Dr. Kelvas, extreme heat or cold disrupts hormone regulation and leads to restless nights. The Sleep Foundation recommends a temperature between 60°F and 68°F (15.5°C–20°C). This range supports the body’s natural thermoregulation process.
As bedtime approaches, your core body temperature naturally drops, signaling it’s time to sleep. A cooler room helps this transition and promotes deeper rest. Dr. Valerie Cacho explains that cool environments increase melatonin production. This hormone is key in helping the body wind down.
Warm rooms, on the other hand, can interrupt important sleep stages. REM sleep and slow-wave sleep—critical for recovery and memory—may be shortened. Heat can cause frequent waking and lighter sleep overall. A cooler room helps protect these vital stages.
Research also links cool sleeping environments to better metabolism and weight control. Cooler temperatures activate brown fat, which burns more calories. This may lower the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Simple habits, like a warm bath before bed, can help you cool down and sleep better.