Scientists warn that as hot nights become more frequent, this factor will become increasingly important.
Many of us aim to live healthily, and it's often said that good sleep is one of the basic pillars of health. Scientists are now pointing out a factor that many people overlook – the temperature in the bedroom. A new study suggests that this can significantly affect how well our body regenerates during the night.
Research from Griffith University monitored people aged 65 and over during the Australian summer. Participants wore devices on their wrists that measured heart activity, while sensors in the bedroom recorded the night temperature. The results showed that maintaining a temperature of around 24°C was associated with lower stress responses in the body during sleep.
At higher temperatures, the body had to work harder to cool down. This means a faster heart rate and more strain on the heart, which tries to redirect blood to the surface of the skin. When the heart works more and longer, the body's ability to fully regenerate from the previous day decreases.
Although the study focused on older people, the body’s cooling mechanism works the same regardless of age. Experts also point out that bedroom temperature may become an increasingly important factor for sleep quality and overall health.
