Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Do you like to doze off to sleep in a warm and cozy environment, or do you prefer your bedroom to be a bit on the cool side? That question might seem like nothing more than a matter of personal preference. But the truth is that temperature can affect your sleep apnea! This blog post explains how that is true. It also offers practical tips to help you create an environment that is conducive to high-quality rest.
Temperature and Sleep Quality
If you have ever tried to sleep in a hot, stuffy room without air conditioning, you probably remember a miserable night. It might have taken you a long time to drift off to sleep, and staying asleep may have been difficult as well. The next day, you probably felt exhausted.
Such experiences may occur because humans tend to sleep better at lower temperatures. In fact, research indicates that people usually enjoy the highest-quality rest when the ambient temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. That might seem a bit too cold for some people, but it makes sense when you think about the fact that body temperature tends to be lower during sleep. If the environment around you is too warm, it takes more of your energy to reach the ideal sleeping temperature.
Individuals with sleep apnea should be especially interested in how temperature could affect their nightly sleep. Many have found that when their room is too hot, their symptoms worsen.
How to Keep Yourself Cool and Comfy at Night
Adjusting your thermostat is just one thing you can do to support your body’s natural sleep processes. Here are some additional steps that might prove helpful:
- Sleep in breathable bedding. Natural fibers, such as linen, silk, and cotton are breathable and help with temperature regulation. A cooling mattress might also have some benefits.
- Get new window coverings. Some drapes and curtains are very good at minimizing energy transfer through windows. This can help with indoor temperature regulation.
- Use a fan. If you do not have air conditioning, a fan may do a lot to prevent you from overheating at night. Try placing a bowl of ice in front of it for extra cooling power.
- Stay consistent with your sleep apnea treatment. A cool and clean bedroom can support your professional sleep apnea treatment. Make sure that you use your custom oral appliance or CPAP therapy each night.
Is your bedroom’s temperature adversely affecting the quality of your sleep? It might be time to make some adjustments!
Meet the Practice
At Canal Side Family Dental, our team is pleased to offer numerous advanced services, including oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. If you have been struggling to feel well-rested lately, or you want to investigate CPAP alternatives, we would love to consult with you. Get in touch with our knowledgeable Buzzards Bay team at 508-375-3149.