During the cold autumn and winter months, do you tend to turn the thermostat up in your house? You might do so even at night so you can feel cozy and warm as you drift off to sleep. Or perhaps you are someone who likes their bedroom to be on the cool side. While indoor temperature might seem like nothing more than a matter of personal preference, it can actually have an impact on your health. In particular, it might affect your sleep apnea. How is that the case? This blog post explains.
Temperature and Sleep Quality
If you have ever found it necessary to sleep in a hot room without air conditioning, you probably recall a sweaty and uncomfortable experience. You might even have woken up several times during the night and felt worn-out the next morning. Why did you feel that way?
Research has found that humans usually enjoy the highest quality sleep when the temperature around them is 60 – 67 degrees Fahrenheit. That might seem a bit on the cool side, but it makes sense when you understand an important function of the human body. When you drift away into sleep, your body temperature drops. If your environment is too warm, it takes more energy for you to reach your ideal sleeping temperature.
Individuals with sleep apnea should be especially concerned with how temperature might affect them. Many people have found that when their room is too hot, their sleep apnea symptoms become worse. If you routinely sleep in a hot bedroom, try setting your thermostat a little lower. You might be pleasantly surprised by your results!
Keeping Your Bedroom Cool and Comfy
In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there may be other steps you can take to create a bedroom environment that promotes high-quality sleep:
- Use the right bedding. Silk, linen, and other breathable fabrics are excellent choices for sheets and blankets because they are helpful for temperature regulation. A cooling mattress might also be beneficial.
- Switch your window coverings. Some drapes and curtains are designed to reduce energy transfer through the windows, which can aid in maintaining a consistent temperature in your bedroom.
- Stick to a thorough cleaning routine. Pet dander, dust, and other allergens could worsen the breathing problems that are associated with sleep apnea.
- Do not neglect your sleep apnea treatment. A comfy and cool bedroom can supplement your professional sleep apnea treatment but not replace it. Be sure to use your oral appliance or CPAP machine every night.
Is your bedroom helping or hindering your sleep? Try adjusting the temperature and making other small changes — even simple actions could help you to manage your sleep apnea!
Meet the Practice
Dr. David J. Drummond is a general dentist with decades of experience in his field. He focuses much of his time on helping patients find relief from obstructive sleep apnea via the use of custom oral appliance therapy. If you are curious about how he and our team may be able to help you enjoy higher-quality rest, contact our Lawton office at 580-355-0344.