Why Sleep Temperature Matters

Similar to how an Afloat waterbed conforms to its sleeper’s position, the human body will physically adapt to its environment.

Recent sleep studies have found that there is a significant connection between body temperature and sleep quality. It turns out that, when we reach REM sleep, our bodies lose the ability to maintain its temperature.

According to Markus Schmidt’s energy allocation hypothesis of sleep, “mammals have evolved mechanisms to increase REM sleep when the need for defending our body temperature is minimized or, rather, to sacrifice REM sleep when we are cold.”

This means that when our bodies get too cold and require thermoregulation, we lose out on REM sleep. So, although you may be able to fall asleep while cold, it’s unlikely that you’re reaching a state of deep sleep.

On the upside, Schmidt’s hypothesis tells us that if we can regulate our sleep temperature, we can improve our quality of sleep. Basically, when our bodies don’t have to worry about thermoregulation defense, more energy is used for brain functions that peak during our REM sleep cycles.

Given what we now know about the direct connection between temperature and sleep quality, it makes sense to create a sleep environment that positively impacts the amount of REM sleep we get.

Your Ideal Temperature

The recommended sleeping temperature for most adults is between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, while this range is inclusive of most adult’s sleeping preferences, it is not necessarily representative of everyone.

You see, everyone’s different, and so is their preferred temperature. While some of us turn down the AC before bed, others prefer to pile on the blankets. This makes it difficult to prescribe an ideal, one-size-fits-all temperature, but that’s not to say that we don’t have our own ideal temperature.

Whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper, adjusting the temperature of your environment makes it possible to attain a good night’s sleep.

To find your ideal sleeping temperature, try adjusting the thermostat slightly on different nights to see which night you sleep most soundly.

Afloat Temperature Control

One of the best features of a waterbed is the ability to control its temperature.

As we now know, the right temperature can not only make your bed feel like it’s giving you a warm hug, but it can significantly improve your sleep quality.

Considering body temperature and ideal sleep conditions, the typical comfort zone of a waterbed is between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend starting at the low end of the range and gradually adjusting until you find that magic number.

You should also know that all Afloat waterbeds come standard with a heating system that keeps your mattress within one degree of your preferred temperature.

Plus, an additional feature available with the Afloat King Dual models is a thermal divider, which allows each side to be temperature-controlled with zero heat transfer. (This model is perfect for those who share a mattress with someone who has a different temperature preference.)

So, are you ready for a good night’s sleep?

Find the Afloat mattress that’s right for you and set it to your ideal temperature. After all, your sleep depends on it!