Gaby
According to a new study, the key to a good night’s sleep lies in keeping the bedroom temperature between 68 and 77°F. Researchers found that this temperature range allows for the most effective and restful sleep for older adults. When temperatures rise or drop outside this range, sleep quality declines, highlighting the importance of maintaining an optimal temperature in the bedroom—neither too hot nor too cold.
The Ideal Sleep Temperature
A team of American researchers from the Institute for Aging Research asked 50 participants aged 65 and older to wear sleep monitors for a year and a half. The study took place in Boston—a coastal city known for its warm, humid summers and cold, stormy winters. Participants slept in their own homes.
The researchers collected data on 11,000 nights of sleep, along with information about the participants’ sleep environments. The analysis revealed that participants slept most effectively when the bedroom temperature was within the 68 to 77°F range. They also experienced the least restlessness during this temperature range, with 68°F being associated with the longest sleep duration.
Climate Change May Worsen Sleep
The team found a 5–10% decrease in sleep efficiency when nighttime temperatures rose to 86°F, with participants being most restless at this level. Previous studies have shown that this decline is large enough to affect cognitive performance, stress levels, activity, anxiety, mood, and fatigue. The effect on sleep was comparable to that of evening alcohol consumption or chronic pain.
In the Daily Mail, the team said their findings point to an optimal nighttime temperature range of 68°F to 77°F for the most restful sleep.
These observations suggest an opportunity to improve sleep among older adults by creating a more comfortable home environment. Additionally, lead author Amir Baniassadi warns that the study’s results underscore the potential impact of climate change on the sleep quality of older adults.
