Temperature significantly affects sleep comfort. Your body naturally cools down as you sleep, and an environment that supports this process helps you rest better. Here's how to manage bedroom temperature in apartments where you may have limited control.
The Right Temperature
General Guidelines
Most people sleep best in a cool room:
- Around 65-68°F (18-20°C) is often cited as ideal
- Personal preference varies—some like it cooler, some warmer
- What matters most is consistent, comfortable temperature
Why Cool Works
Your body temperature naturally drops when preparing for sleep. A cool room:
- Supports this natural cooling process
- Makes it easier to fall asleep
- Helps maintain deeper sleep stages
Too Hot vs. Too Cold
- Too hot: Difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, more awakenings
- Too cold: May wake up uncomfortable, harder to relax initially
- Of the two, too hot tends to be more disruptive
Apartment Challenges
Limited Control
Apartment dwellers often face:
- No individual thermostat (building-wide heating/cooling)
- Thermostat with limited range
- Uneven heating/cooling
- Radiators that can't be easily adjusted
Building Factors
- Upper floors: Heat rises; top floors often warmer
- Corner units: More exterior wall exposure
- Sun exposure: Rooms facing sun can overheat
- Insulation quality: Older buildings may have poor insulation
Cooling Strategies
Fans
- Ceiling fans: Create airflow that cools you
- Portable fans: Direct airflow where needed
- Fan direction: Ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer
- Fans don't lower air temperature but create cooling effect through airflow
Window Management
- Daytime: Block sun with curtains or blinds to prevent heat buildup
- Evening: Open windows to let in cooler air (if outside is cooler)
- Night: Cross-ventilation if multiple windows available
- Morning: Close windows and curtains to trap cool air
Bedding Adjustments
- Lighter sheets and blankets in warm weather
- Breathable materials (cotton, linen)
- Moisture-wicking fabrics
- Adjust layers rather than room temperature when possible
Personal Cooling
- Cool shower before bed
- Cold water on pulse points (wrists, neck)
- Cooling pillow or pillow insert
- Keep feet uncovered (feet help regulate body temperature)
Warming Strategies
Bedding
- Heavier blankets or comforters
- Flannel sheets in cold weather
- Layer blankets so you can adjust during the night
- Down or down-alternative for warmth without weight
Personal Warming
- Electric blanket or heated mattress pad (use safely; turn off for sleep)
- Hot water bottle to warm the bed before getting in
- Warm socks (feet are often the coldest part)
- Warm shower or bath before bed
Room Warming
- Space heater (with proper safety precautions)
- Keep bedroom door closed to retain heat
- Draft stoppers under doors
- Thermal curtains to reduce heat loss through windows
Working with Your Building
Radiator Issues
- If radiators are too hot: contact management, check for adjustable valves
- Cover (don't block) radiators to reduce direct heat
- Open window slightly if radiator can't be adjusted (energy-inefficient but sometimes necessary)
Central Systems
- Report problems to building management
- Document temperature issues
- Many areas have regulations about minimum/maximum temperatures landlords must maintain
The Warmth/Cool Balance
A good approach for comfort: keep your bedroom cool while using appropriate bedding to stay warm under the covers. Your body can then regulate—too warm? Stick a foot out. Too cool? Tuck back in. This gives you natural control even when room temperature isn't adjustable.