Is there an ideal air conditioning temperature for the best sleep? The answer is YES! Keep reading to learn more about having a sound sleep.
Why You Need Sleep
Sleep is as important as food, water, and air. It’s not a luxury or a sign of laziness! Nearly all animals sleep to repair cells, process wastes, and maintain brain health. ‘Sleep hygiene’ – practices that ensure quality sleep – means adjusting daily habits like eating, exercise, light and sound levels, and the best AC temperature for sleeping.
Your Sleep Stages
A normal sleep cycle has four stages. During Stages 1 and 2, the body relaxes and cools as functions slow down. Stage 3 is noted for distinctive delta brain waves while restorative sleep helps with healing, growth, immune system health, and cognitive processing. Stage 4, known as REM or ‘rapid eye movement’ sleep, is when active dreaming and brain renewal take place. Four to six uninterrupted cycles every 24 hours are considered quality sleep.
Sleeping Like a Baby…and a Youngster…and a Teen…and a Grownup…and an Oldster
Sleep patterns vary depending on age, activity level, and health. Growing kids of all ages need 9-10 hours to support brain development and normal behaviors. Later in life, people tend to spend less time in REM sleep but require more naps.
Air Temperature and Sleep
Did you know that the air temperature in your home strongly affects how soundly you sleep? The ideal range is approximately 15.6° to 19.4° (around 65°F) for falling asleep and staying asleep. Significantly lower or higher temperatures trigger wakefulness. Overheating is especially dangerous for babies because of the suspected link to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Maintaining a relationship with a reputable and experienced aircon service in your area can actually save your life.
Lack of Sleep
Without a sufficient quantity or quality of sleep, health suffers. Not only are problem-solving skills, attention span, and memory impaired, but injuries and accidents are likely to occur. Mood changes such as depression and self-centeredness are common. Physical effects may include loss of balance, excessive hunger, weight gain, diabetes, sexual difficulties, inflammation, heart conditions, hypertension, and even permanent brain damage.
Tips for Better Sleep
Creating the expectation of a peaceful haven for your body and mind is the principle to sound sleep.
Indulge in:
- Clean, cool air (best AC temperature for sleeping: 18.3°)
- Silence (or soft music or white noise to mask disruptive sounds)
- General darkness (with a torch or small LED cool light nearby)
- Whatever makes you feel safe (a light cover, bedside phone)
- Layers of loose nightclothes to prevent overheating
- Clean manchester and a cooling pillow
- Time for relaxation techniques
Avoid:
- Physical, mental, and emotional drama
- Distracting devices
- Memory foam mattresses (retain heat)
- Large meals, strong spices, sugar, caffeine (no chilli or choccy)
- Liquids (guess why!)
- Bending the elbow too much (alters sleep stages)
- Durries
For More Information
Sleeping soundly all night long is possible. Look online under ‘sleep hygiene’. Talk to your healthcare provider. And don’t forget your aircon professional for advice on the best AC temperature for sleeping!