HOW TO USE YOUR PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT TO SLEEP BETTER

Programmable thermostats are probably best known for saving money and energy by reducing the need for heating and cooling while you’re not home. However, you can also use your programmable thermostat to sleep better. Here’s what you need to know. Studies say: cooler rooms promote better sleep According to one study, the best temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. (Although that may be a bit cold for many.) It’s also been shown that insomniacs usually have a warmer core body temperature than normal sleepers just before bed. This higher body temperature has been linked to restlessness, as the insomniac’s body tries to reset its internal thermostat. The New York Times concludes as a result of these studies that a cooler room can indeed help promote better sleep.

Use your programmable thermostat to lower the temperature at night

ENERGY STAR recommends raising the temperature on your thermostat in the summer to reduce your energy costs. However, this could negatively impact your sleep. Instead, consider setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler at night when you go to bed to help get a better, more restful night’s sleep. Of course, you don’t need a programmable thermostat to do this, but it can automate the process, so you don’t forget.

But what about energy efficiency? Obviously, this will use more energy in the summer because you will be cooling your home to a lower temperature. However, if you don’t want to lower the temperature of your whole home at night because you’re concerned about energy efficiency, you still have a few options:

• Use a fan. Studies have shown that a fan can help your body feel up to four degrees cooler than the actual room temperature.
• Consider zoning. A zoned home system will let you keep just your bedroom’s temperature cooler while not wasting energy on the larger living areas that are unoccupied at night.
• Get a room air conditioner. Like a zoned system, this will allow you to cool just your bedroom without wasting energy on the rest of the home.

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Ragsdale Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical has been serving the metro Atlanta area for over 25 years. Contact us online for more information on how we can help you.