During the hot summer months in the greater Phoenix area, it’s easy for bedrooms to become too warm for restful sleep. You may even be trying to save a few dollars by setting your thermostat as high as possible. Yet, your thermostat can make or break your slumber. For many, an optimal temperature is necessary for sound sleeping.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the suggested bedroom temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re in bed and trying to sleep, your body temperature naturally decreases. A lower room temperature helps induce sleep faster. Temperatures within the recommended range also can improve the quality of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the restorative stage of sleep in which you dream.
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation
If you’ve ever spent a night tossing and turning, unable to sleep, you know that the next day can be tough. Along with feeling groggy and grumpy, it can impact your mental abilities and even impact your physical health. Over time, the effects of sleep deprivation include weight gain, cardiovascular disease and weakened immune system. A lack of sleep also puts you at greater risk for accidents and injury.
Keeping Cooling Costs in Check
Consider your bedroom a cave. It should be quiet, cool and dark – particularly if you have sleep difficulties. Yet, it’s important to balance your need for cool temperatures with the monthly cost of air conditioning. It may be cost-prohibitive to keep your thermostat continuously set at the cool temperature needed for a good night sleep. This is when a programmable thermostat can be very beneficial. By setting your thermostat for a lower temperature at night and a higher temperature when you’re away from home, you can significantly cut energy usage.
Other Ways to Save
It’s also important to ensure your air conditioner is tuned up and functioning as it should be. Call us to schedule a tune up if you haven’t had one recently. It can really make a difference in terms of the efficiency of your unit. As well, don’t forget to change your HVAC system air filter on a monthly basis. Dirty clogged filters hinder air flow, causing your air conditioner to work harder to cool your indoor air.
What’s the cost of a good night sleep? When a lack of sleep impacts your health, happiness and productivity, it’s vital to optimize your sleep space for restful nights, and your air conditioner plays an important role. Want to learn more? Call the experts at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating today.
