A new study highlights the significance of bedroom temperature on sleep quality and its potential effects on heart health.
No one wants to rest in an overly warm room, even if outside temperatures are low. Similarly, sleeping in a cold room can also be problematic for getting a good night’s sleep.
The key is balancing the temperature for optimal sleep and overall health benefits.
Dr. Fergus O’Connor from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, has identified that high temperatures increase the workload on the cardiovascular system, affecting the heart.
He stated in a press release: “When the human body is exposed to heat, its normal physiological response is to increase the heart rate.
“The heart is working harder to try and circulate blood to the skin surface for cooling.
“However, when the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day’s heat exposure.”
In the study, Dr. O’Connor and his team tracked 47 adults with an average age of 72 living in southeast Queensland.
These individuals continued their daily routines and sleep patterns throughout the study period.
The study took place between December and March, Australian summer months, with participants wearing fitness trackers to monitor their heart rates.
Sensors installed in the bedrooms recorded temperature data, revealing some compelling findings.
The likelihood of heart stress increased slightly above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with risks doubling between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
At 82 degrees, the risk more than tripled in comparison to those sleeping in rooms below 75 degrees.
“For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24 C (75.2 F) reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep,” O’Connor concluded.
He further explained: “Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by impairing sleep and autonomic recovery.
“While there are guidelines for maximum daytime indoor temperature, 26°C, there are no equivalent recommendations for nighttime conditions.”
The findings were published in the journal BMC Medicine, emphasizing the importance of regulating bedroom temperatures.