Some people think that the bedroom should be as warm as possible, and some people cover themselves with a thick duvet all year round. However, studies show that sleeping at a cooler temperature is better for restoring strength, as well as reducing the risk of developing certain diseases and prolonging youth.
The air temperature in the bedroom often causes marital strife: one is too cold, the other is too hot. But still, the one who advocates sleeping in a cool room is right.
Dr. Christopher Winter, chief physician at the Charlottesville Center for Neurology and Sleep Medicine, makes several arguments in favor of sleeping at 16-19°C. According to him, when the thermometer falls below or rises above this range, sleep becomes restless, a person begins to toss and turn from side to side and cannot fully rest.
Obviously, this is due to the fact that the body obeys the daily rhythm. Around 17:00, body temperature rises to its maximum, then begins to subside, and around 5 in the morning it reaches its lowest point. As the night approaches, physical activity gradually decreases, and we are more and more sleepy. Accordingly, if the bedroom is cool, we fall asleep faster. Researchers from the University of South Australia also confirm that people sleep much better in the cold, and link some types of insomnia to a violation of the body’s natural thermoregulation.
Before going to bed, open windows and set the battery thermostat to the minimum setting.
In addition, sleeping in a cold room helps you look younger: this is due to the production of melatonin, which slows down the aging process. In addition, this hormone has antioxidant properties, regulates the permeability of the barrier between the brain and the circulatory system, and, according to some reports, prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The optimal temperature regime during a night’s sleep improves mood. The fact is that under the influence of melatonin, the level of serotonin, which is called the hormone of happiness, increases. Both hormones are connected: when their content rises, we feel happier and have better rest.
Naturopathic doctor Natasha Turner claims that healthy sleep at a lower temperature stimulates the secretion of growth hormone, while reducing the level of stress hormones. In addition, such a successful combination helps to lose weight.
Another study found an association between nighttime temperatures and the likelihood of developing metabolic diseases. Since cases of diabetes are especially frequent now, it is worth taking care of prevention. Those who prefer to sleep in a cool room burn calories faster, increase insulin sensitivity and lower glucose levels, which prevents the risk of type XNUMX diabetes.
So, before heading to bed, feel free to open the windows, turn on the air conditioner to “cold” or set the battery thermostat to the minimum level and enjoy a deep, restorative sleep.