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How to Regulate Sleep Temperature in the Winter

woman laying on pillow with white duvet

Winter brings chilly nights and the perfect excuse to cozy up, but finding the right sleep temperature can be trickier than it seems. Too cold, and you’re tossing and turning – too warm, and you’re waking up in a sweat. The balance between cozy and comfortable is key to getting restful, restorative sleep, especially during the colder months. We’ll explore how your mattress, bedding and sleep environment play a role in temperature regulation, along with practical tips to help you sleep soundly all winter long.

Why Sleep Temperature is Difficult to Regulate in Winter

Winter’s low temperatures and our tendency to overcompensate with heat and heavy blankets can make maintaining the perfect sleep temperature challenging – especially when keeping a low body temperature is essential to getting your most restful sleep. 

The Connection Between Temperature and Sleep

woman laying on happsy organic mattress and smilingwoman laying on happsy organic mattress and smiling

Ever notice how being in a chilly room makes you sleepy? That’s because a cooler core temperature is one of the signals your body makes to tell your brain it’s time to sleep. The circadian rhythm that controls your body’s internal clock causes your temperature to naturally rise and fall over the course of a 24-hour period. While you sleep, your temperature continues to fall until it gets to its lowest in the early morning. 

Make the Most of Winter Temps and Get Better Sleep

It’s tempting to crank up the heat and add layer after layer to your bedding. But because your body naturally cools down during sleep, keeping your home at too high of a temperature or sleeping with too many layers can actually keep you too hot and disrupt sleep. Instead, keep the thermostat set at a reasonable temperature and choose bedding layers that are easy to remove while you sleep if you do get too hot. If your room tends to get too hot, take advantage of the winter chill and crack a window right before bed so your room is nice and cool when you climb into bed.

So what’s the ideal temperature for sleeping in winter? Try to aim for around 60-67°F and keep it consistent in your bedroom to support your body’s natural sleep rhythm. You may need to make some changes to get the right temperature, so don’t be afraid of adjusting your mattress, bedding, thermostat or nighttime habits.

The Role of Mattresses in Regulating Sleep Temperature

Did you know that your mattress has a major impact on how warm or cool you feel at night? Many conventional mattresses trap heat because of their synthetic materials like memory foam or polyurethane foam, making them less ideal for temperature regulation. Organic mattresses made with more breathable materials like organic latex or organic cotton promote airflow and wick away moisture, helping you stay at a comfortable temperature regardless of the season.

Happsy’s mattresses are made with GOTS-certified organic materials and avoid the use of heat-trapping foams or chemical adhesives. This means you’ll get a cooler sleep experience and help your body maintain an ideal sleep temperature in winter without compromising on comfort. 

Organic Bedding: The Secret to Temperature Balance

woman standing in window with dark colored drapeswoman standing in window with dark colored drapes

Your bedding choices can make or break your winter hibernation space. Pair your organic mattress with bedding that has the same qualities: organic, naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Opt for organic cotton bedding, which naturally regulates temperature and moisture. To stay cool while you sleep,  avoid synthetic fabrics since they can trap heat and moisture. Instead, layer your bed with breathable materials like Happsy’s organic cotton sheets.

Switching to organic bedding isn’t just about comfort – it’s also a healthier choice for you and the planet. Happsy focuses on creating certified organic options that support better sleep without compromising on supporting the planet.

Optimizing Your Sleep Space Temperature

Creating a winter-ready sleep sanctuary goes beyond just your mattress and bedding. Take a closer look at your sleep environment, too. 

  • Temperature: Don’t sleep with your heater on full blast. Instead, keep your thermostat around 60-67°F and use layers of bedding that you can adjust as needed throughout the night.
  • Curtains: Blackout curtains can help insulate your room by keeping the cold out and maintaining a consistent temperature.
  • Bed Position: Avoid placing your bed near drafty windows, or consider adding weatherstripping to areas that let in the cold during the winter. 

Naturally hot sleepers may have an easier time in winter, but it can still be a struggle. Implement the above and also consider avoiding anything that might increase your temperature like late night exercise, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine. Set yourself up for successful sleep. 

Preparing for Cozy Sleep: A Winter Bedtime Routine

Wondering how to sleep better in winter? You can regularly enjoy restful nights by creating a bedtime routine that values sleep hygiene while promoting warmth and relaxation. Here are our tips:

  • Warm Bath or Shower: Raise your body temperature slightly before bed with a hot shower or bath, then let it naturally cool as you wind down.
  • Cozy Socks: Heat can escape through the feet, so keep them warm in socks without overheating the rest of your body.
  • Herbal Tea: Sip on a warm, caffeine-free drink to relax your mind and body.
  • Light Layers: Dress in breathable pajamas made of organic materials that allow for temperature regulation. 
  • Consistency: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule (even on weekends, sorry!) to help your body adjust to the winter season. 

The wonderful thing about building these habits is that they can improve your overall sleep hygiene – no matter the season! 

Common Winter Sleep Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

No one is perfect and the perfect routine or environment for sleep doesn’t exist either. Luckily, we’re here to identify common winter sleep mistakes and we have the solutions to prevent them from interrupting your slumber. 

woman stretching while laying in bedwoman stretching while laying in bed

Overheating Your Bedroom

High temperatures or too many heavy blankets can cause overheating, leading to restless sleep. Opt for layered, breathable options instead so you can adjust throughout the night. 

Ignoring Air Quality

Winter air can be particularly dry and might make your bedroom’s air uncomfortable to breathe in. Use a humidifier to maintain proper humidity levels – some humidity is good and can help with breathing clearly! 

Using the Wrong Mattress or Bedding

You could be doing everything right, but the synthetic materials in your bedding, mattress or pajamas may be trapping heat and moisture. Instead, invest in organic options for better temperature control with naturally breathable material. 

Keep it Cool and Sleep Well

Regulating sleep temperature in winter doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right mattress, organic bedding and bedtime routine, you can create a sleep environment that’s perfectly balanced for the colder months. Remember: the goal is to stay comfortably cozy without overheating, so focus on breathable materials and simple adjustments to your sleep space. Soon you’ll be having sweet dreams during your winter hibernation!  

Looking for a mattress that keeps you cozy but cool? Explore Happsy’s organic mattresses today – because better sleep starts with better choices.