The study was led by Dr. Fergus O'Connor, who works at the School of Health, Sport and Social Work. His team examined how bedroom temperature affects heart rate and stress levels in older adults.
Dr. O'Connor stated, "Maintaining a bedroom temperature of 24°C in older adults reduces the risk of stress responses during sleep." He also explained how heat affects the body: "When exposed to high temperatures, people's heart rates increase. The heart begins to work harder to ensure blood circulation to the skin for cooling. However, this can lead to stress and a decreased ability for the body to recover from heat."
For the study, participants used fitness trackers that recorded heart activity data during sleep. At the same time, temperature sensors in the bedrooms continuously recorded conditions during the Australian summer. The data obtained became the first real evidence of how elevated temperatures in bedrooms affect heart rate and stress levels during sleep.
Dr. O'Connor also emphasized the importance of the results in light of climate change: "With the increasing frequency of hot nights due to climate change, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality rises, which worsens sleep quality and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system."
Additionally, the researcher pointed out the lack of recommendations for nighttime temperatures: "While there are guidelines for a maximum indoor temperature during the day — 26°C, there are no similar recommendations for nighttime."
