If you want to get a good night’s sleep, set your thermostat low. How low? A lot lower than you might think. According to researchers, the ideal nighttime room temperature is between 60º and 67º Fahrenheit. That should have you sleeping like a baby.
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#1
Why does it work? Well, about an hour and a half before bedtime, your body begins to cool down in preparation for rest. It tries to, anyway; everything from viruses to bacteria, fungi, drugs and toxins can make this process difficult.
Of course, in a modern environment we're all exposed to those things. That's where setting your room temperature low at bedtime comes in. It jump starts your body's natural cooling mechanism.
This is quite similar to how sleeping pills work minus the icky side effects and risks.
A good night's sleep isn't the only thing you'll get when you keep that thermostat low. Here are some more great benefits!
#2 You’ll Be Forever Young
Beauty sleep, anyone? According to naturopath and author Natasha Turner, a cooler body temperature helps your body produce melatonin. Melatonin is one of the most important anti-aging hormones your body makes. It battles free radical damage, which is at the root of everything from wrinkles to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
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#3 You’ll Lose Weight & Be Less Stressed
Cortisol is known as ‘the stress hormone.' It also causes weight gain and depression. Getting a good night's sleep a la cranking that thermostat down regulates levels of this hormone.
Mind you, fat isn't going to fly off as it would if you exercise regularly. But sleeping cool does leave your body in a state much more conducive to weight loss especially in tandem with the next benefit.
#4 Your Metabolism Will Thank You
According to a study in the journal Diabetes, sleeping in a cool room greatly decreases your risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes. Remember, your metabolism is the mechanism responsible for burning calories. That means that, with a strong metabolism, you'll shed pounds a lot faster.
