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Hi and Happy Monday!
Spring has arrived! Depending on where you live (NYC here!), you might be really excited about finally being able to crack open a window without freezing. The weather can definitely affect our moods and mental health. But how does it affect our quality of sleep?
Research suggests that higher temperatures can actually produce insufficient sleep. And for those of us who have been struggling with cold nights over the past few months, pumping up the heat might have actually been counterproductive, since the ideal sleep temp is about 16 to 18°C (60 to 65°F).
If you feel like you’re constantly tweaking the climate in your home, trying to find your ideal sleeping temperature, there’s one simple hack that could help: sleeping naked.
There are many benefits to sleeping naked, such as improvements in:
- sleep quality
- self-esteem
- intimacy and romantic relationships
If you’re in a situation where sleeping naked isn’t an option (you might be crashing on someone’s couch or sharing a room with someone you have boundaries with), opt for wearing lighter clothing. Swap long sleeves for short-sleeved or sleeveless tops, wear shorts instead of long pants, and choose cooling materials like silk instead of flannel or cotton, which trap more body heat.
The key is to regulate your body’s sleeping temp rather than adjust your bedroom temp, overcompensating in the process. This will lead to better sleep quality and better mental health. Give this a try along with the other helpful methods you’ve been practicing this month. I’ll be back next week for another round of self-care tools for better sleep!
With love,
Minaa
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