Is Your Bedroom Too Warm for Your Heart?

Dialing It In: Room temperature matters when it comes to sleep. (Ever try to conk out while sweating or shivering? Best of luck.) But adjusting the thermostat isn’t just about comfort. New research suggests bedroom temperatures that are too high may disrupt heart function in adults 65 and older.

The Study: A small study tracked the sleep and heart data of 47 Australian adults with an average age of 72. Participants wore wrist-based fitness trackers, and temperature sensors were installed in their bedrooms. Researchers found that keeping nighttime temperatures at or below 75 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with fewer signs of cardiovascular strain. When room temperatures rose above 75 degrees, participants experienced increased stress on their hearts.

The Takeaway: When we’re exposed to heat, our hearts work harder to circulate blood to the skin’s surface to cool the body. Still, there’s no universal “perfect” sleep temperature. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a cooler range of 60 to 67 degrees. For some, 75 degrees may already feel too warm. The key is finding a temperature that allows you to sleep comfortably and consistently.

Keep in Mind: This study focused on older adults, so it’s unclear whether the findings apply to younger populations. And wearable trackers aren’t as precise as ECGs or other clinical-grade monitoring tools. Still, the research is a reminder that your sleep environment can influence more than just comfort — it may affect your overall health.