Callum Jones
A recently published study has detailed why the temperature of your bedroom while you're sleeping is crucial and the ultimate impact that can have on your heart.
You don't particularly want to be sleeping in a baking bedroom at night even if it's freezing outside. On the other hand, you don't want to be differing while trying to get some much-needed kip.
Basically, it's all about getting the right in between not just for sleeping conditions, but also for your health overall.
Dr. Fergus O’Connor of Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, revealed in a recent study that excessive heat places extra demand on the cardiovascular system, which obviously includes the heart.
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In a press release, the expert commented: "When the human body is exposed to heat, its normal physiological response is to increase the heart rate.
“The heart is working harder to try and circulate blood to the skin surface for cooling.
“However, when the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day’s heat exposure.”
As part of the study, Dr, O'Connor's team followed 47 adults residing in southeast Queensland who were an average age of 72.
The participants carried on with their normal way of life during this period, including the usual activities they would take part in, and also kept their usual sleep schedule.
Experts monitored the participants between December and March, the typical summer season in Australia, with all 47 adults fitted with a fitness tracker to monitor the heart.
Sensors were also placed in the bedrooms to track the temperature, which provided scientists with some interesting results.
The heart began to show signs of wear at slightly above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while the risk doubled Between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Come 82 degrees, the risk more than tripled compared to participants in bedrooms below 75.
"For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24 C (75.2 F) reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep," O'Connor concluded.
He added: "Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by impairing sleep and autonomic recovery.
"While there are guidelines for maximum daytime indoor temperature, 26°C, there are no equivalent recommendations for nighttime conditions.”
The study was published in the journal BMC Medicine and is a stark reminder of keeping room temperatures managed.