Marla Ahlgrimm | Benefits Of Sleep In A Cool Room

If you and your spouse or partner constantly clash about the temperature in your bedroom, Marla Ahlgrimm says to hold up. According to the women’s healthcare expert, the ideal room temperature is between 60 and 67°.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that sleep in a cool room offers many benefits including improved sleep quality, reduced night sweats, enhanced metabolism, better blood circulation, and a reduced risk of sleep apnea.

Cooler temperatures can and do help regulate your body’s internal clock. This can promote deeper and more restful sleep. While there’s a lot of science behind this statement, it essentially boils down to that the cooler temperatures signal your brain that it’s time to sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm also says that women in the throes of menopause can greatly benefit from turning the thermostat closer to the 60° mark. This is because the cooler room may help reduce night sweats to help minimize discomfort and interruptions to your sleeping patterns.

Those trying to lose weight may benefit from the slight rise in overnight metabolism that is contributed to a cooler environment. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that cool temperatures boost your metabolism. A boosted metabolism means more calories burned, even during sleep. Sleeping in a cool room can also reduce the stress hormones that trigger weight gain, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Another significant benefit of cooler temperatures is increased blood circulation. While this is not a benefit that you see, every cell in your body relies on blood to circulate oxygen and vital nutrients. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that healthy cells reduce the risks of pretty much all health conditions.

People with sleep apnea, a condition that can reduce the body’s ability to breathe throughout the night, may even benefit from sleeping in a cooler room.

Ideal Temperature For Sleep

While Marla Ahlgrimm appreciates that everyone has their own preference, she does point out that between 60 and 67° is typically considered the ideal range for comfortable, restful, and healthful sleep.

To create a cooler sleep environment, Marla Ahlgrimm suggests adjusting the thermostat a few hours before going to bed. During the spring and summer, you can also open your windows or use a fan to help circulate cool air throughout the room. And if you haven’t updated your bedding in a while, Marla Ahlgrimm says now is the perfect time to invest in lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen for your bed sheets and blankets.

One final tip: reduce your calorie consumption before bed. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, eating a heavy meal close to bedtime can actually raise your body temperature, which makes it harder to fall asleep.

By following the tips above, Marla Ahlgrimm hopes that you can create a cool, soothing sleep environment. Remember, any steps you can take to improve your sleep quality will also improve your overall well-being.