The Temperature Dependence of sleep

This review explores the intricate relationship between body temperature regulation and sleep, focusing on how temperature changes influence sleep onset and quality. During sleep, core body temperature drops while extremities warm, promoting non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This process, driven by the brain's thermoregulatory circuits, helps maintain energy balance and supports cognitive recovery. Disruptions in temperature regulation can lead to sleep difficulties, highlighting the importance of a stable thermal environment for optimal rest.

To improve sleep, ensure your sleeping environment supports temperature regulation. This could include maintaining a cool room, using breathable bedding, or taking a warm bath before bed to encourage natural cooling processes. Such strategies align with physiological mechanisms supporting sleep quality and brain health.