If you and your partner are one of the thousands of couples out there who battle daily over the number on the thermostat, listen up - whoever likes it colder at night may now have some science to lend a helping hand to their side of the argument.
According to an article created by Dr. Christopher Winter, medical director at Charlottesville Neurology & Sleep Medicine, there are numerous explanations as to why you should keep your thermostat between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit while you snooze.
According to his analysis, if the temperature drops below or rises above that range you're more likely to toss, turn, and essentially get worse sleep.
It's important to note that our bodies have a natural, 24-hour cycle in which our temperatures peak in the late afternoon and fall to their lowest point around 5 am. We're typically able to fall asleep when our body temperature begins to drop, so keeping your room cold could urge you to fall asleep quicker.
A cold room encourages a much more peaceful sleep, says research out of University of South Australia that connected poor body temperature regulation with certain forms of insomnia. It could also keep you looking younger, since sleeping in a room warmer than 70 degrees stops your body from emitting melatonin.
Naturopathic doctor Natasha Turner says that healthy sleep patterns and an anticipated temperature drop releases a growth hormone and can, in turn, reduce your stress levels, a mixture of which could essentially help you lose weight.
One study even suggests that it could lower your risk for metabolic diseases like diabetes. Participants burned more calories while they were awake and also doubled their amount of brown fat, or good fat, while allows the body to store fewer calories. Over time, that combination can lower your risk for metabolic disease.
So, there you go - this evening, before you go to bed, be sure to lower your thermostat and be ready to experience some completely restful, entirely healthy, absolutely rejuvenating sleep.
