We all need sleep. It's what allows our brains to recharge and get ready for the next day ahead.
Without sufficient rest, we tend to become less alert and more irritable. We can also make ourselves vulnerable to health problems.
No matter how good we think we are at pushing away fatigue, or putting away cups of caffeine, we still need solid sleep. Research has shown that most Americans would be happier, healthier and safer if they were to sleep an extra 60 to 90 minutes per night.*
If you think you can function like a machine, consider this: Even our devices need shut-eye. Have you ever noticed how your smartphone goes into sleep mode whenever it has been left idle? Since it can be battery draining to keep track of a jillion text messages and nearly as many Facebook posts, our smartphones are hard coded to get their required 40 winks.
Unfortunately, however, most people don't fall asleep as easily as an electronic device. Our inner wiring is a little more complicated, and our complex lives can make sleep difficult. That said, there are a few simple things we can do to sleep better.
Consider your lifestyle habits
Sleep experts recommend taking steps like getting daily exercise and sticking to a consistent schedule to bring about a good, quality sleep. Lifestyle habits are just part of the equation, though. You can also make changes to your living environment to stop your tossing and turning at night.
Choose the ideal temperature
The temperature of the air can affect your sleep. Setting your thermostat to a cooler temperature—around 65 degrees Fahrenheit—can help you have a better night's sleep, according to a study published in the Wall Street Journal.** This is especially true if you live in a hot climate or you like to cozy up with a comforter.
The reason for a cooler bedroom? When you sleep, your core body temperature drops to its lower level. If your body temperature is too high, your brain cannot signal your body that it's time to sleep.
A smart thermostat like the iComfort® S30 can help you maintain an ideal temperature for a perfect night's sleep. It takes into account your schedule and preferences to help optimize temperatures during the day and while you sleep. You only need to program the thermostat once. After that, it automatically makes adjustments to heating and cooling based on your routine.
Create the perfect environment
Individual sleep preferences can vary widely, but most sleep studies have found that the optimal environment for a relaxed slumber is not only cool, but also dark and quiet. To make your bedroom more conducive to a good night's sleep, consider the following:
- Remove or limit your use of devices, such as televisions and cell phones
- Invest in a supportive mattress or possibly a large bed, if you sleep with a partner
- Paint walls in soothing shades
- Add shutters or blinds to windows
Get help from a Lennox® Dealer
For an in-home comfort consultation to solve any air-conditioning issues you may have and create your perfect sleep space, please contact your nearest Lennox Dealer. That way, you can put your mind at ease that your cooling system is do its best to keep you and your family comfortable during the summer and all year round.
*Source: Research by the Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine, as reported by the American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep.aspx
**Source: "The Best Temperature for a Good Night's Sleep," by Sumathi Reddy for The Wall Street Journal
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-temperature-for-a-good-nights-sleep-1456166563
