We all know temperature plays a major role in how we sleep. In the winter, we pile on the bedding while dreading the moment when we may have to step into the nocturnal chill to answer nature’s call. Meanwhile, in the summer, we can often find ourselves peeling off the sheets and lying on the bed uncovered to avoid feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. So, what is the best temperature for sleeping and how can we achieve it? This blog aims to answer these questions.

Why is temperature so important?

Body temperature changes throughout the day, increasing each hour before we fall asleep before plunging throughout the night – for many of us, it will be at its lowest around two hours before waking. This is our body’s way of regulating our energy levels, so that we will be sufficiently awake and alert when we get up, which explains why, if we don’t sleep at the right temperature, we rarely feel on top of things the next day.

The best room temperature for sleep

Established in 1995, the UK’s Sleep Council is an impartial organisation which investigates the relationship between sleep and our health and well-being. According to the Sleep Council, the ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep is about 16-18°C for adults, with anything above 24°C or below 12°C considered as unhealthy. That’s because sleeping in a cold room can prevent you from dropping off, whereas heat can lead to a restless night in bed.

How to cool down or warm up

When going to bed, the temperature should either be cool enough to allow you to fall asleep without making you wake up shivering in the night, or not be so warm that you wake up from sweating.

To stay cooler, the obvious advice is to use bedding and nightwear made from breathable fibres such as organic cotton or linen, as opposed to synthetic materials, which trap heat. It may sound counterintuitive, but taking a warm bath one hour before bedtime will help cool your body temperature after stepping out of the water.

If keeping warm is the problem, we recommend many thin layers of bedding, which will trap the air between each layer and keep you warmer, compared with a single thick layer. Consuming a hot beverage before turning out the light is an efficient means of getting warmth into your body quickly – milk or camomile tea should hit the spot. You should also check for and deal with any sources of drafts, which are letting unnecessary chills into your bedroom.

Time to change your bed?

Changing your bed could be the crucial factor in achieving the temperature you need to have a good night’s sleep, night after night. So, whether you want to chill out or get cosy, we are sure you will find exactly what you are looking for at Magna Beds. Check out our online store today and shop with confidence.

And don't forget about our amazing Midsummer promotion - you get a 10% discount on EVERYTHING you buy from our website until the end of June 2019!