Finding the Best AC Temperature for Sleeping Comfortably

If you live in Las Vegas, you know the summers are brutally hot. And if you're like most people, you probably don't want to spend your nights tossing and turning in a pool of your own sweat.

Read on to learn how to sleep comfortably, with or without air conditioning.

What's the Ideal AC Temperature for Sleeping in Las Vegas?

According to the Sleep Foundation, most people sleep best when the temperature is between 60 and 67°F, with 65 degrees as the ideal temperature for sleeping. The human body is designed to experience a slight decrease in core temperature in the evening; turning the thermostat down signals to the body that it’s time to rest.

The easiest way to make sure your HVAC unit is set to the right temperature at night is to set up the sleep mode in your AC thermostat. This will automatically drop the temperature at a set time each night, so you don’t have to manually do it each time. If your thermostat doesn’t have this function, consider switching to a smart thermostat. It makes programming temperature changes easy while increasing energy efficiency.

Don’t forget about humidity! Experts recommend maintaining relative humidity between 30 and 50% for maximum indoor comfort. Las Vegas generally has a low relative humidity, so you may need a whole-home humidifier to get into a comfortable range.

How to Sleep in Hot Weather without AC

Most people have experienced how difficult it can be to sleep in hot weather. You’re constantly flipping over, trying to find cool spaces, which is why most people in Las Vegas use air conditioning to reach the ideal 65 degrees. But what do you do if you don’t have access to air conditioning?

If your power goes out, your AC fails, or you don’t have an AC unit, here are some steps you can take to sleep better in warm weather:

  1. Opt for light blankets. If you must sleep with a blanket, opt for a thin sheet, preferably made of cotton or another breathable material.
  2. Freeze your top sheet. A few hours before bed, put your top sheet in the freezer. This will ensure the fabric is cold when you’re ready to hit the hay.
  3. Circulate the air. Moving air is critical to staying comfortable in a hot bedroom. You can use a ceiling, box, or oscillating fan. Fans speed up the sweat evaporation process as you sleep and provide white noise, which can also aid in sleep. If you’re comfortable sleeping with the windows open, use a fan in front of an open window to encourage maximum airflow.
  4. Wear lightweight clothes. Lightweight cotton or linen pajamas can help you stay comfortable while allowing your body heat to escape more quickly than other fabrics, such as polyester.
  5. Sleep on the lowest level of your house. Try sleeping on the lowest level of your house (preferably the basement, if you have one). Heat rises, so the higher levels and upstairs rooms will be the hottest places in your home.
  6. Keep water nearby. A few sips of room-temperature water can help cool you down. It may seem contradictory, but your body works harder to process cold water, which warms you up. Room-temperature water is easier to process and won’t cause extra internal heat.
  7. Place a cool, wet washcloth on your face or neck. You lose the most heat through your head and face. Putting a damp cloth on your forehead or neck can encourage heat wicking from these areas.
  8. Limit exercise hours. You increase your body temperature when you exercise. It’s best to exercise early in the day so your body can cool down again before bed.
  9. Turn down your humidifier. Dry heat is generally more tolerable than moist heat, which often feels hotter than it is. Las Vegas is rarely humid enough to need a dehumidifier, but you can turn down or skip running your humidifier at night.
  10. Keep the heat out during the day. Close blinds and curtains while the sun is up to keep your home as cool as possible. Open your windows at night when the outside air is cooler than the air inside. This will also improve air circulation.
     

If your air conditioner is out of commission, schedule AC repair as soon as possible so you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

Ideal AC Temperature for Sleeping: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it better to sleep hot or cold?
A: Studies indicate that it’s more beneficial to sleep cold. Sleeping cooler can help you achieve deeper and sounder sleep.

Q: Does sleeping with AC make you sick?
A: Many experts agree that leaving the AC on at night is generally safe. However, bacteria or mold can grow in an AC unit, and exposure may make you sick over time. If you notice a musty smell from your air conditioner, schedule professional cleaning.

Q: What are the effects of sleeping in a hot room?
A: The main effect of sleeping in a hot room is the sleep disturbance it can cause. Sleeping in a hot room can cause you to wake more frequently and disrupt your rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle.

Ready to Install AC in Your Home?

If you’ve tried the tips listed above but still have trouble sleeping, installing a new AC unit or repairing the one you have will help—a lot. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Vegas is ready to provide services from AC installation and replacement to thermostat and AC maintenance. Contact us at (702) 602-8801 or book an appointment online.