Optimal Bedroom Temperatures for Older People Revealed in New Study
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, especially for older individuals. A recent study has now determined the ideal bedroom temperature range that can significantly enhance sleep quality for older people. According to the research, conducted by an American team and published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, older individuals experience the most efficient and restful sleep when their bedroom ambient temperature during the night falls between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
The study emphasizes the crucial role of night-time temperatures in promoting quality sleep for older individuals. However, it also highlights the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality for our ageing population. As night-time ambient temperature increases from 77°F to 86°F (30°C), the research team observed an overall trend of a 5% to 10% decrease in sleep efficiency. Moreover, the study revealed significant variations in the optimal bedroom temperature among individual participants.
Lead researcher Dr Amir Baniassadi stated that these findings underscore the potential to enhance sleep quality in older adults by optimizing the thermal environment of their homes. He emphasized the importance of personalized temperature adjustments based on individual needs and circumstances. Additionally, the study brings attention to the potential effects of climate change on sleep quality in older adults, particularly those with lower socio-economic status. It calls for increasing their adaptive capacity as night-time temperatures rise in cities.
The research involved monitoring sleep duration, efficiency, and restlessness over an extended period in the homes of the participants. Using wearable sleep monitors and environmental sensors, the study collected nearly 11,000 person-nights of sleep and environmental data from 50 older adults.
Dr Baniassadi highlighted the significance of improving the sleep quality of older adults, as they often experience inadequate and disrupted sleep. Poor sleep can have a profound impact on various aspects of their health and well-being, such as cognitive and physical function, mood, productivity, and the management of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. While medical and behavioral interventions have been developed to address sleep issues, the potential for environmental interventions has largely been overlooked.
Dr Baniassadi, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, emphasized the crucial link between home ambient temperature and sleep among older adults, suggesting that optimizing the sleep environment could be a potential target for improving sleep quality.
Moving forward, the research team plans to concentrate on examining the potential effects of climate change on sleep in low-income older adults and developing interventions to optimize their environment.
In conclusion, this study unveils the optimal bedroom temperature range that can enhance sleep quality for older people. By focusing on improving the thermal environment and personalized temperature adjustments, individuals can significantly optimize their sleep. Moreover, as climate change poses challenges to sleep quality, it becomes vital to develop strategies that help older adults adapt to increasing night-time temperatures. With a comprehensive approach, we can ensure better sleep for our ageing population.
