A study from Griffith University, published in BMC Medicine, shows that a specific bedroom temperature can reduce physical stress during sleep in people over the age of 65.
According to the researchers, participants showed fewer signs of physical strain. For example, their hearts worked more calmly compared with warmer nights.
This suggests that the right temperature may support the body’s natural recovery.
How the body reacts to warm nights
When it is warm, the body increases its heart rate to release excess heat. Blood is directed toward the skin to help cool the body down. This means the heart has to work harder.
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According to the researchers, this additional strain may make it more difficult for the body to recover during the night.
In the study, participants wore activity trackers on their wrists, while sensors in their bedrooms measured the temperature throughout an Australian summer.
This allowed the researchers to observe the link between heat and changes in heart rhythm.
The right temperature
The study also points out that while there are recommendations for indoor temperatures during the day, there are none specifically for nighttime.
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According to the researchers, it may be important to take a closer look at nighttime temperatures, especially as warm nights become more common.
A nighttime temperature of around 24 degrees Celsius appears to be the level at which older adults’ hearts are under the least strain during sleep, according to the new research.
Sources: Science Daily, and BMC Medicine.
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