How Does Your AC Unit Affect Your Sleep?

Though your AC unit does not directly affect your sleep, it does affect your temperature which can make or break sleep quality.

Over the past few years, studies have been unlocking a treasure trove of valuable information about sleep. Getting the recommended amount of quality sleep every night can affect your personal life, health and more.

With all the distractions of a fast-paced lifestyle, many people find getting enough sleep to be elusive. Some of the most common reasons for sleeplessness are:

• Your bedroom is either too hot or too cold
• Caffeine, Sweets or Alcohol before bed
• Lights on in the bedroom (including TV, phone, screens, etc.)
• Noise

Your Internal Thermostat

Your brain tries to set and maintain a consistent temperature when sleeping, similar to an internal thermostat. If it is too cold or too hot, it can be difficult to achieve. Even a slight variation in body temperature can reduce your overall quality sleep.

When our body temperature drops, it produces melatonin, a hormone that aids us in falling asleep and entering REM sleep, which is needed to maintain good mental and physical health. “If you are in a cooler [rather than too-warm] room, it is easier for that to happen,” says H. Craig Heller, PhD, Professor of Biology at Stanford University.

What Should I Set My Thermostat to for the Best Sleep?

While every person’s internal thermostat is different, setting your thermostat to a temperature between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for the best sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises you to think of your bedroom like a cave: cool, dark and quiet.

A setting that is too warm may cause restlessness or no sleep at all. A setting that is too cold could cause our bodies to shiver awake leading to ongoing interruptions throughout the night.

How do I Get Great Sleep?

In Florida and other hotter regions, it may be costly to put your AC setting to 65 degrees, especially in the summer. If you continuously have trouble falling asleep due to the temperature, you might want to start using a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat.

Programmable thermostats allow you to manage your temperature conveniently from your smartphone. Instead of getting up in the night to change the temperature, automatically schedule temperatures around your home. Not only will you get better sleep, but you will also save money on your monthly electric bill.

If you are interested in learning more about Wi-Fi thermostats, contact Scott’s Heating and Air Conditioning. We provide you with a roadmap to comfort and energy efficiency.

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Categorised in: Air Conditioning, Thermostats