In Florida, the weather during the day is beautiful, but the warm and humid climate can cause restless nights for many people. When temperatures are high, your body may struggle to cool adequately at night, leaving you feeling hot and uncomfortable. Excess humidity also makes it difficult to breathe comfortably while in bed. Thankfully, there are several ways to counteract these issues to get a good night's rest.
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How Do Heat and Humidity Affect Your Sleep?
With an average daily summer temperature of 86 degrees and the nightly temperature dipping only into the high 70s, it can be hard to get a good night's sleep in Florida. In general, your body needs cooler air for restful sleep, and if your indoor environment is too warm or humid, you may suffer from unfavorable sleeping conditions. Let's look at how both heat and humidity impact our nightly snoozes in Florida.
Heat
Extreme highs during the day prevent our bodies from cooling down sufficiently even when the sun sets because temperatures remain high into the evening hours. While we all have different temperature preferences, The Sleep Foundation has found that 65 degrees is the ideal sleeping temperature for most people, with doctors recommending the temperature is between 60 and 67. This optimal range can become much harder to meet in Florida, where temperatures can remain above 80 degrees until late at night.
Humidity
High humidity makes it hard to fall asleep and difficult to stay asleep since heavier air makes it uncomfortable to settle into comfortable positions in bed. High moisture levels fill up your nose with airborne particles, making breathing normally throughout the night hard. In certain Florida areas, humidity levels are about 75%, which can feel oppressive.
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality in Florida
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make your bedroom more comfortable and create the perfect atmosphere for sleep.
Keep Your Home Temperature Cool
To keep the home temperature cool, follow these tips:
- Keep your windows closed during the day, and consider opening them slightly at night to help reduce the heat entering your room.
- Pull down blackout blinds or curtains to block out direct sunlight during sunny days.
- Adjust your thermostat so that it runs cooler than usual.
- Set up cross-ventilating fans in multiple rooms around the house that circulate air and reduce indoor temperatures.
- Make use of a portable AC unit within your bedroom to better manage the temperature on particularly hot days and nights.
Invest in High-Quality Bedding
Investing in high-quality bedding also helps create a cooler sleeping environment. Quality materials, such as breathable cotton sheets or bamboo linens, help keep your skin cool and comfortable throughout the night. You should also look for mattress options designed to provide body-conforming support while allowing air to flow freely through and around it.
Use Dehumidifiers and Air Purifiers
Using dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the bedroom can help remove moisture from the air, making it easier for your body to maintain its core temperature. There are also products designed to absorb excess humidity, such as gel sheets or bamboo charcoal quilts. Dehumidifying crystals made of silica gel and clay powder can also help reduce moisture in smaller spaces like a wardrobe or closet.
Living in Florida can be a challenge when sleeping in the warmer months. By creating an environment conducive to restful sleep, you can enjoy better nights and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day. To explore high-quality bedding options designed to help you sleep comfortably in Florida’s climate, come to Land of Sleep! Our Sarasota and Venice, FL, mattress stores are filled with comfortable and cooling mattress options all ready to help you sleep best.
