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Sleep It Cool or Suffer: Why Your Body Temp Dictates Quality Z's

wellbeing

By Owen M.

- Jul 25, 2025

We all know sleep ain't for wimps. It's the bedrock of good health, and hence we're taking a deep dive into an unsung hero of quality shut-eye - your body temperature. Spoiler alert: there's no one-size-fits-all magic number here. While dialing down your internal thermostat can often upgrade your snooze game, your unique preferences and circumstances might demand some tweaking.

It's not news to you if you're a hot sleeper. You're the one chucking off the duvet or yearning for your fan's gentle hum, even when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. On the flip side, caffeine fiends, spicy food lovers, and alcohol indulgers: your night sweats could be self-inflicted. Plus, hidden internal issues like diabetes, kidney disease, or certain medications may be turning up your internal heat without your permission.

Let's not forget the insulation game of our muscles and fat, which keep our bodies cozy. If they're in scarce supply, or if you're skimping on calories - hello, sudden diet fanatics - expect some midnight chills. The rogue agents of hypothyroidism or anemia also stir the pot by messing up your body's temperature regulation.

Fact check time: Stanford School of Medicine's sleep specialist, Shannon Sullivan, MD, cites a recent study which suggests most homo sapiens grab better Z's in a room cooler than 86°F. But remember folks, human sleep isn't universal. "Nudge the thermostat as required," advises Sullivan.

Eyes up, science nerds. Dropping your body temperature can help you take the sleep plunge easier and amp up your slow-wave sleep cycle. Sleep gurus often cite 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit as the sweet spot for your room (assuming we all control our room's temp, which would be nice, right?).

Don’t forget, the ideal sleep seascape is a cocktail of genes, lifestyle, surroundings, and personal whims. If a fan leaves you cold (metaphorically, not physically), you may need your room on the toastier side for the best slumber.

Plot twist: our body temperature ring dances with the circadian beat. According to Sullivan, our bodies cook with the max heat around 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then, they cool off by bedtime, hit the minimum at the unholy hour between 3 and 4 a.m., and rise again to shake off the land of dreams. This eve-to-morning temperature dynamics work as a biological alarm clock to start and end our dreams.

Whether you're an inferno-bearer or an ice queen in bed, you can optimise your sleep environment. Adjust your pyjamas, play with the thermostat, or switch your bedding. Just remember, our health isn't a contest. Some of us run hot, others cold. The goal is to sleep soundly, comfortably. Amen to that.

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