When it comes to sleep, temperature continues to have an impact. Throughout our evolution, temperature has served as a cue for sleep and wake time. As our core body temperature drops, we enter slow-wave sleep, which is crucial for our overall well-being. Conversely, if the room is too warm, it can negatively affect REM sleep and slow-wave sleep. Humidity also has an impact on sleep quality, with higher humidity levels decreasing REM sleep and slow-wave sleep.
Sleeping in a cold room offers several benefits. It helps release melatonin, the sleep hormone, and prevents the rise of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can disrupt sleep. Falling asleep faster and spending more time in restorative sleep phases, such as REM and slow-wave deep sleep, are additional benefits of a cool room. Moreover, sleeping in a cold room can increase brown fat activation, which promotes weight management. It also improves insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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