How The Weather Affects Your Sleep
We’ve all experienced a terrible night’s sleep due to weather – lying sticky in bed during summer, or shivering under a duvet in winter. That awful feeling of waking up tired the next day, counting down the minutes until we can shut our eyes again. That’s why we at the English Bed Linen Company want to share the secrets of how the weather affects your sleep – so you can get the best night’s rest possible.
How The Weather Influences Sleep
Because the temperature of our bodies changes as we sleep, when the weather is hotter or colder, it interferes with our temperature regulation. Excessive heat can reduce the amount of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep we get – negatively impacting the immune system – whilst frosty nights can put pressure on our cardiovascular system.
But it isn’t just the heat keeping us awake at night. The amount of sunlight we receive is another major factor in how well our delicate biochemistry functions. The production of melatonin (sleep hormone) and our circadian rhythm are both deeply affected by seasonal changes. Circadian rhythms are the natural 24-hour cycles our internal body clocks run on, and if they are disrupted, it can lead to a whole host of issues, such as fatigue and sleep problems, emotional and social issues, and health difficulties.
We also need vitamin D from sunlight for serotonin production, which is one of the greatest influences on our mood. Lower serotonin levels have been shown to cause drowsiness during the daytime, and can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which causes changes in our sleep patterns.
How Barometric Pressure Influences Sleep
Barometric pressure is another element of our sleep that we are affected by, often without realising. Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is caused by the weight of the air. Low barometric pressure tends to accompany stormy weather, causing rain and thunderstorms, agitating sensitive conditions (such as arthritis) and tricking our bodies into producing more melatonin – which makes us feel extra drowsy.
The Best Temperature For Sleep
Experts suggest that the optimal temperature for sleep lies between 15°C and 19°C, but this can vary depending on the preferences and comfort level of an individual. On the whole, maintaining a cooler room temperature is generally better for sleep. Body temperature drops naturally as you rest, which is why being in a colder room helps you stay asleep once you drift off.
However, you should avoid making your room too chilly, as this can prevent you from relaxing and dozing off. Draughty rooms can make it hard to stay asleep, so you should try to keep your windows and doors closed in winter or colder weather. Rely on extra layers to keep you warm rather than central heating – try snuggling up with one of our luxurious duvets to keep you cosy.
Does The Ideal Temperature Change?
As we get older, the ideal temperature for sleep does change, but only incrementally. Babies tend to sleep better at slightly higher temperatures (around 18°C to 21°C), whereas adult temperature preferences can change depending on hormone levels.
How To Achieve Your Ideal Sleep Temperature
Getting to sleep in challenging weather conditions can be tough. Here are a few of our best tips for how to stay relaxed.
Prepare for Seasonal Changes
It can be difficult to predict the weather, but seasonal changes are relatively straightforward to anticipate. Sleep with the windows open in humid air, and make use of a fan or air conditioning if possible. In winter, put on extra blankets and make sure the heating is set to turn off late at night for better temperature regulation.
Avoid Stimulating Activities and Foods
We’ve all heard it a thousand times, but watching TV or eating before bed can keep us lying awake, even when we’re nice and comfy. Caffeinated drinks and sweet treats will get our brains buzzing before we climb into bed as well, which is why it’s better to avoid cakes and coffees at this time. Watching TV or scrolling through social media also gets our minds racing, so try turning off your phone and settling down with a book for a few minutes before you turn out the light.
Dress for the Occasion
If you’re struggling to doze off, there are lots of little changes you can make that have a real impact. Wearing breathable pyjamas and sleeping in thinner, natural sheets can help you cool off during the hotter months, whilst wearing bed socks and snuggling up with a hot water bottle when it gets cold is a great way of keeping you comfortable when things turn chilly outside.
Time To Get Some Rest
We might not be able to do anything about the weather, but we can do something about your bedding – our luxurious bed sheets, mattress toppers, duvets and pillows are the perfect solution, and come in a range of thread counts. That’s not to mention, our sumptuous linen sheets help to regulate temperature, keeping you cool at night.
Want to know more about our range of luxury handmade bedding? Get in touch with one of our team today for your free fabric samples, and discover the path to a perfect night’s sleep.