Side Effects of Sleeping in a Cold Room

Many people prefer to sleep in a cold room as it can provide a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment. However, sleeping in a cold room can have several side effects that can affect your health and well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss the side effects of sleeping in a cold room, and provide practical tips to help you sleep better.

What is a Cold Room?

A cold room is generally defined as a room that has a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people prefer to sleep in a cold room because it can provide a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment. However, sleeping in a cold room can have several side effects that can affect your health and well-being.

Side Effects of Sleeping in a Cold Room:

1. Disrupts Sleep: Sleeping in a cold room can disrupt your sleep as it can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. When you sleep in a cold room, your body will try to generate heat to maintain its temperature, which can lead to restless sleep and insomnia.
2. Increases Blood Pressure: Sleeping in a cold room can increase your blood pressure as your body will try to generate heat to maintain its temperature. This can cause your heart rate to increase, which can put additional stress on your cardiovascular system.
3. Affects Breathing: Sleeping in a cold room can affect your breathing as the cold air can cause your airways to constrict, leading to breathing difficulties, especially for those with asthma.
4. Can Lead to Hypothermia: Sleeping in a cold room for a prolonged period can lead to hypothermia, a dangerous condition where your body temperature drops below normal levels. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, and even death.

Health Risks Associated with Sleeping in a Cold Room:

1. Increases Risk of Infection: Sleeping in a cold room can increase your risk of infection as it weakens your immune system. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people who sleep in a cold room have a higher risk of catching a cold and other respiratory infections.
2. Worsens Arthritis: Sleeping in a cold room can worsen arthritis symptoms as the cold can cause joint pain and stiffness. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty in performing daily activities.
3. Triggers Migraines: Sleeping in a cold room can trigger migraines in people who are prone to them. The cold temperature can cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict, leading to headaches and migraines.

Practical Tips for Sleeping in a Cold Room:

1. Use Warm Bedding: To counteract the cold temperature, use warm bedding such as a thick comforter, flannel sheets, and a warm blanket. This can help keep you warm and cozy throughout the night.
2. Wear Warm Pajamas: Wearing warm pajamas such as fleece or flannel can help keep you warm while you sleep. This can help you maintain your body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
3. Use a Space Heater: If your room is too cold, consider using a space heater to warm it up. Make sure to use the heater safely and keep it away from flammable materials.
4. Invest in Thermal Curtains: Thermal curtains can help insulate your room and prevent heat from escaping through the windows. This can help keep your room warmer and reduce your energy bills.

Read also:

Side Effects of Sleeping With Lights ON

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while sleeping in a cold room may seem like a good idea, it can have several side effects that can affect your health and well-being. These side effects include disrupting your sleep, increasing your blood pressure, affecting your breathing, and even leading to hypothermia. Additionally, sleeping in a cold room can increase your risk of infection, worsen arthritis symptoms, and trigger migraines. To combat these side effects, you can use warm bedding, wear warm pajamas, use a space heater, and invest in thermal curtains. By following these practical tips, you can ensure a comfortable and healthy sleep environment.

Sources:

1. “Sleeping in a cold room may be better for your health.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 26 Feb. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/sleeping-in-a-cold-room-may-be-better-for-your-health.
2. “Sleeping in a cold room: Good or bad for your health?” Medical News Today, 22 May 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321437.
3. “Sleeping in a Cold Room.” Sleep Foundation, 26 Apr. 2021, www.sleepfoundation.org/temperature/sleeping-cold-room.
4. “The health risks of sleeping in a cold room.” 9Coach, 27 Aug. 2019, coach.nine.com.au/health-news/the-health-risks-of-sleeping-in-a-cold-room/b2c0b330-6d1a-4c0c-869c-0f963cb7d87e.
5. “The Surprising Benefits of Sleeping in a Cold Room.” Time, 6 Apr. 2018, time.com/5228316/sleeping-in-cold-room-benefits/.
6. “What Is a Cold Room Temperature and Its Health Benefits.” Sleepopolis, 17 Mar. 2021, sleepopolis.com/blog/what-is-cold-room-temperature-health-benefits/.