Researchers analyzed over 14,000 hours of nighttime rest.
Scientists have concluded that cool air in the bedroom during nighttime rest can positively affect the cardiovascular system in older adults. It turns out that maintaining a temperature below 24 degrees helps reduce strain on the heart. This is reported by BMJ Medicine.
The experiment involved 47 residents of Australia aged 65 and older. Sensors were installed in their homes to continuously monitor the temperature in the bedrooms, while wearable devices recorded pulse and heart rate variability during sleep.
Researchers analyzed over 14,000 hours of nighttime rest and found that exceeding the 24-degree mark increases the risk of decreased heart rate variability. As the temperature rises from the range of 24–26 degrees to 28–32 degrees, the likelihood of autonomic disturbances and increased pulse rate sequentially increases, indicating heightened stress on the nervous system.
According to specialists, overheating during sleep forces the body to redistribute blood flow more actively for cooling, which increases the strain on the heart and slows recovery processes. This effect is most pronounced in older adults, as the ability to adapt to thermal stress decreases with age.
