The circadian rhythm governs our sleep cycle based on the night-and-day process of the sun utilizing a part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is in the hypothalamus. Numerous environmental and personal factors transmit signals to this brilliant “body clock,” such as the abundance of light exposure, physical activity, and temperature. Our core body temperature descends about 2 degrees, arriving at its lowest degree in the early morning, slowly warming up as the morning progresses. This “optimal sleep temperature” is between 60 and 67° F. This temperature range enables the body to exert less energy maintaining this desirable temperature, ultimately giving you a refreshing slumber! Here are a few pointers, courtesy of our HVAC specialists at Springboro Heating & Cooling; ensuring your sleep this summer leads to a healthier and more delightful lifestyle!
How Can I Overcome Indoor Allergens?
Are you waking up all stuffy or sniffly? Spring is gone, and now summer allergies prevail. Allergies, no matter the season, are a nuisance we all desire to forgo! For those genuinely bothered by this affliction, the effects on your sleep can smack you right in the face, literally. Up to 40% of Americans are subject to the inconvenience of allergies. Additionally, for individuals who suffer from allergies, the chances of insomnia are doubled! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes four major indoor air pollutants to be:
- Volatile Organic Compounds- VOCs are gases radiated from particular solids or liquids. VOCs can have short-term and long-term adverse effects on your health. Numerous VOC concentrations are up to ten times higher than those found outdoors.
- Excess Moisture- The moisture level during the summer is moderately high, especially here in Ohio.
- Radon- Radon arises from the natural decay of uranium found in almost all soil. Radon can emerge from the ground, join the air above, and enter your household through cracks/holes in the foundation. When trapped inside, radon can accumulate, potentially inflicting anyone exposed to this harmful gas with lung cancer.
- Carbon Monoxide- When exposed to CO gas, CO molecules can and will deplete the oxygen from our bodies. This process can quickly lead to CO poisoning or, even worse, death.
Accordingly, these pollutants are not only a risk factor for a damp and stuffy home but for creating an indoor atmosphere more dangerous to you than the outdoors. Here are three ways the EPA suggests improving indoor air quality:
- Using Indoor Air Cleaners
- Control Exposure to Airborne Indoor Allergens
- Home Interior Ventilation
Thankfully, advancements in HVAC technology have led to increasingly better indoor environments, benefiting and protecting all who live within.
How Does Sleep Quality Impact Energy?
Restoring your air filter and ensuring your HVAC system is routinely examined by a professional can bring long-term energy savings. But what about savings of our physical energy? It is not only necessary to mind our HVAC needs, but our body’s needs as well. Research has demonstrated that poor sleep can have a hand in overeating. When your body fails to preserve energy through a good night’s sleep, it will require you to indulge in what would otherwise be considered unnecessary eating as a way to function. Moreover, you will feel sluggish and unmotivated to keep physically fit throughout the day. Lack of physical activity, inadequate sleep, and overeating contribute significantly to obesity and, often, depression. Getting stuck in this lifestyle can cause a downward spiral in your overall health. It is upsetting how negatively diminished sleep alone can destroy one’s quality of life.
Do PJs Affect My Slumber?
It is no surprise that at the end of a trying day, all anyone desires is to change into something cozier and call it a night. Selecting the best sleepwear can help guarantee you remain relaxed throughout the night. While cotton pajamas may seem fine and comfortable, it is no shock that they can be less than ideal in the summertime. To optimize comfort and sleep, opt-in selecting silk over cotton. Why? For one, silk is lighter and gentler than flannel and cotton against your skin. Silk also conserves your skin’s natural moisture, better overseeing your body temperature, and keeping you cool throughout the summer. And not only is silk hypoallergenic, but it also stimulates better blood circulation, delaying aging. Therefore, if your options are cotton, flannel, or silk, always go with silk!
These are just a few beneficial tips to ensure your summer nights are comfortable and refreshing. So, what’s the hold-up? If you are fighting tooth and nail to get a decent night’s sleep essential for encouraging a satisfying and fruitful lifestyle, call Springboro Heating & Cooling today at (937) 600-6834, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Our well-versed HVAC technicians are more than qualified to completely transform your home’s atmosphere!
