Your Bedding Microclimate

Your Bedding Microclimate

Thermoneutrality

In order to comfortably maintain our optimal body temperature, our bedding microclimate must be in the range of 30°C the Netherlands based study found. The optimal “thermoneutrality zone” is about 30 degrees Celsius, says the study. In this post we will explore other factors involved in achieving thermoneutrality.

This is the temperature in your bedding microclimate where most people find a balance of not having to heat their body, and remaining comfortable. Thermoneutrality was kept stable with ambient air temperature from 19-22 degrees C.

 Different people have different needs in respect of achieving comfort in their sleep environment. For example, you likely know this from sleeping with a partner who may sleep “hot” or “cold”. Colder ambient temperatures tend to have a more disruptive affect on people, vs warmer air temperatures.

Moisture and Humidity 

Moisture and humidity can have an impact on sleep comfort. As little 3% to 5% added moisture can be enough to trigger sensations of discomfort and dampness. We recommend a wool mattress protector to help draw moisture away from your sleep surface and to regulate temperature.

In a UK Imperial College of London study of mice and thermoregulation there is a cycle which occurs throughout the night. Core temperature drops from sleep onset. Other mammals such as cats, chimpanzees and humans all thermoregulate during sleep.

 Humans do this unconsciously be increasing their exposed area as ambient temperature rises. This study found that we attempt to establish skin microclimates of between 31- 35°C.

Bedding Has An Impact

It’s clear that our bedding is important in the optimal thermoregulation of our bodies, which in turn helps us get a good night’s sleep!

How is your bedding affecting your sleep? Most people generally have a sense that quality bedding is important to quality sleep.

We wrote a post on bedding and its affect on sleep a while back. It seem the research indicates that pillows and “satisfaction with their bedding” had more of an effect on sleep for adolescents than did income, age, sex or other factors.

Warm Bath Effect

There’s also evidence that points to warming up before bed can help you fall asleep faster, and achieve a deeper sleep. The trick is to warm up 1 to 8 hours before bed.

It is our hope that this post raises your awareness about the small details which could help you get the best night’s sleep possible. Quality sleep. Better life!