If you have trouble sleeping at night, the problem might not be your mattress, pillow, or pre-bedtime habits. Have you thought about looking to your HVAC system for answers? HVAC System Affect How You Sleep
Your HVAC system plays a huge role in the quality of sleep you get each night. Without proper temperatures and humidity levels, you could experience unhealthy sleeping patterns that could lead to heart problems, anxiety and depression, and other serious complications. Learn how you can improve your quality of sleep, starting with your HVAC system.
1. Change the Temperature
While a warm home might keep you cozy during the day, at night, temperatures should not surpass 67 degrees. According to Sleep Foundation, optimal sleep temperatures range from 60-67 degrees, depending on your region. Hot, humid summers of Tuscaloosa, Alabama may require temperatures to be on the lower end of the spectrum. Of course, as temperatures outside cool, optimal sleep temperatures inside your home may increase. Listen and respond to how your body reacts to different temperatures for the best results.
To make scheduling your temperatures easier, invest in a programmable thermostat. These thermostats can be scheduled to automatically change temperatures on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis. So, you won’t have to lift another finger to reach optimal sleep temperatures at night, and you’ll even save money on monthly energy costs.
2. Dress Accordingly
Since optimal sleep temperatures may be lower than you’re used to, putting on the right amount of layers is also important. Uncomfortable clothes contribute to poor sleeping habits as well, especially if too tight or thick. We understand finding the balance between too many clothes and none at all can be difficult, which is why we’re here to help! We recommend wearing loose clothing that allows your skin to breathe while protecting it from irritation. This will promote healthy blood circulation and keep you breathing naturally throughout the night. Binding clothing can inhibit your body’s production of melatonin, hindering your sleep quality.
Interested in exactly what clothes are best for optimal sleep? Read this article from Sleep.org: Find Out What You Really Should Be Wearing to Bed.
3. Listen to Your Body
During the period of figuring out your optimal sleep environment, take some time for trial and error. You should be observing your sleeping habits and making adjustments as necessary. If you wake up sweating, turn the temperature down a bit. If you wake up tangled in your oversized t-shirt, try sizing down a bit for a snug, but comfortable fit.
While adjusting to your nighttime conditions is important, it’s also important to listen to your body throughout the daytime. Exercising regularly and staying hydrated will help you sleep better through the night, as will creating a routine before going to bed. This way, when your head hits the pillow, your body recognizes what it needs to do next: sleep!
Contact Us
If you have questions about our programmable thermostats or recommendations on sleeping habits (in regards to your HVAC system), give us a call at (205) 364-1044 or visit our website for more information. Legacy Heating & Cooling is here to help, and we’re just a phone call away.
As your local American Standard Customer Care Dealer in Tuscaloosa, AL, we care about the comfort of your whole home and family. For more information, tips, and to follow along with our work, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! HVAC System Affect How You Sleep HVAC System Affect How You Sleep HVAC System Affect How You Sleep HVAC System Affect How You Sleep HVAC System Affect How You Sleep HVAC System Affect How You Sleep