Humans can quickly adapt to various temperatures, as made evident by our reach across the world. We reside in temperate, arid, tropical, and Mediterranean climates. But indoor temperatures are a bit different.
Humans tend to be the most relaxed when an HVAC’s fixed to a mild number. Anything between 65 and 70 is best. But predicated on the preferences of an individual, even this might be too warm or cold.
People accustomed to colder climates may need warmer indoor air, while residents in a drier region may find low temperatures good but stuffy. Then there are people in hot and humid areas needing air conditioning running from their ducted systems for most of the year.
Sleeping temps tend to run either the same as ordinary indoor temperatures or a bit cooler. It’s important to remember that blankets are a staple for sleeping. The thicker the blanket, the warmer the air will be underneath it.
For example, if you set your thermostat to 69 degrees Faranheight and are resting under a wool blanket, the internal heat between you and the fabric could be 10 to 20 degrees higher than the outside. It could spell trouble for anyone prone to getting sick from fluctuating surface temps along the body.
Another issue could arise from the area that one lives. In a low humidity environment, getting to sleep is very hard to do. Our sinus cavities are sensitive to dry air, causing stuffy noses and difficulty breathing in the middle of the night.
Clogged sinuses result in lots of unwanted tossing and turning. Restlessness could develop in this case. If someone can’t sleep, doing daytime activities becomes increasingly burdensome, sometimes dangerous. A motor vehicle or piece of machinery moved by a restless operator is a hazardous situation.
To avoid this, consider setting your sleeping temperature to two degrees lower than your standard indoor temp. Do you sleep with thick blankets? Going down a degree or two more on the thermostat should be fine. But remember that temps alone aren’t always the remedy. Ducted systems have filters and should be cleaned or replaced monthly, sometimes weekly.
Keep up with this to reduce allergens from giving you sinus problems. Use a humidifier if you’re area experiences little moisture in the air. However, if moisture isn’t a problem, the draft from opening a window may bring down your bedroom’s temperature to the degree that you prefer without relying on the HVAC. For the spring and summer months, keep your screen door closed to prevent airborne particles and insects from getting inside.
Sleeping temperature is something that changes from person to person. What’s comfortable to you could keep someone else awake for the entire night. Keep this in mind before making the changes listed. When in the company of a spouse, significant other, or small children, your comfort might keep them wide awake.
A ducted system that changes temperature according to the room is ideal since every room essentially has a thermostat. But for the conventional HAVAC, a couple of degrees higher or lower might solve your sleeping problems.
