How cold is unhealthy to sleep in?

Author: Ms. Ally Lueilwitz IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Downsides of Sleeping Cold The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum temperature of 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), and the European standard recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). 11 Here are possible reasons why: Some people sleep poorly in a cooler environment.

What is an unsafe temperature to sleep in?

Sleeping too hot

“Heat is a huge disruptor for REM sleep,” Dr. Drerup says. With the heat of the room, your body temperature will also rise, thus undoing the sleep initiation process entirely. If your bedroom temperature is above 70° F, it's too hot.

Is 55 too cold to sleep in?

“Looking at the available research, most studies agree that a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for sleeping, with temperatures above 75 degrees and below 54 degrees disruptive to sleep.

How cold is too cold for a bedroom?

How cold is too cold? Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° - This is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.

What is the lowest safe room temperature?

According to the World Health Organisation and the UK Government guidelines, 18°C is the minimum temperature any room should be to ensure good health.

Why Do You Sleep Better in a Cold Room

What happens if your room is too cold at night?

There are fewer cons to sleeping in a cold bedroom than a warm one, but without the right blankets and clothing, a too-cold room can keep you up all night shivering. Invest in the right pair of pajamas, a thick blanket or warm socks if you know you are prone to getting the chills at night.

What happens if you sleep in 50 degrees?

“Even if you don't feel the cold disturbing your sleep, your cardiovascular system might still be affected,” cautions Dr. Maslinski. Maintain indoor temperatures above 50°F during winter and stay comfortable year-round with the right bedding.

What's the coldest you can keep your house?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home. If there are infants or elderly individuals, they recommend keeping the temperature at 70 degrees at a minimum.

Is it healthy to sleep naked?

Some research suggests that sleeping naked can promote better sleep, leading to various mental and physical health benefits. By encouraging core body temperature regulation, naked sleeping may help support reproductive function, skin health, cortisol levels, metabolic control, and more.

What are the side effects of sleeping in a cold room?

Cold air inflames lungs and inhibits circulation, increasing the risk of respiratory conditions, such as asthma attacks or symptoms, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infection.

How cold is too cold for humans?

In general, when the wind chill is 32° and above, it's safe to be outside. In temperatures 13° to 31°, indoor breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes. For wind chills of 13° and below, you should move activities indoors and outside of the cold as frostbite can set in very quickly.

What is the healthiest room temperature for sleeping?

The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.

Why shouldn't you sleep in the cold?

Sleeping in cold temperatures can cause your muscles to cramp quite severely, making getting up in the morning a painful experience. This is because the cold can cause the muscle to spasm through the night.

What temperature should a house be overnight?

To create that sleep-worthy environment, bedroom temperature should be kept at a consistent 17 degrees Celsius during the night, or at a minimum a few degrees colder than in the daytime.

Is it better to sleep with socks on or off?

Wearing socks to bed may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so it could become an important part of your sleep hygiene routine. Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, behaviors, and environmental factors present during our bedtime routine.

What house temperature is too cold for pipes?

Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.

Is it unhealthy to keep your house cold?

For vulnerable populations like older people and young children, the risks associated with living in a cold house are particularly high, including an increased risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular problems, and hypothermia.

What temperature is dangerously cold to sleep in?

If your bedroom is any colder than 58°F, it's too cold. Around this temperature is when your body can't maintain a natural sleeping temperature for itself. You can try to pile on the blankets, but this restricts breathing and risks you waking up feeling hot and stuffy.

How cold is unsafe inside a house?

But don't take it from us, take it from the World Health Organization: They recommend a temperature of at least 64°… and raising that to at least 70° if there are babies, elderly people, or otherwise immunocompromised people in the home.

Is it better to sleep with more or less blankets?

For most people, one to two blankets on the bed will suffice. A single blanket can trap enough warm air close to your body while adding another layer, perhaps a decorative quilt, creates extra insulation for those colder nights during the winter.

Is it unhealthy to sleep in a cold bedroom?

While some research supports sleeping in a cold bedroom, other research supports a slightly warmer sleep environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum temperature of 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), and the European standard recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).

How do you know if you're too cold?

Symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering. pale, cold and dry skin – skin and lips may turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet) slurred speech.

How cold will an unheated house get?

How cold can a house get without heat overnight? The time of day your heater goes out impacts how long the house stays warm. Indoor temperatures go down faster at night, so if your furnace stops overnight, you can expect a quicker decline. This can be as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit before morning.

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