Sleep preferences are aplenty. Firm or soft mattress? Top sheet or nah? Television: on or off? Eye masks: yea or nay? One thing most people donβt agree on is the ideal sleeping temperature.
A recent CivicScience survey asked just over 2,700 U.S. adults about their preferred normal sleeping temperature in Fahrenheit. The results are all over the thermostat, for sure. But the 67-70 degree range is certainly the top preference.Β
When grouping this by over / under 70 degrees, the majority of the population prefers to sleep in 70 degrees or below.
Women are only slightly more likely to sleep in temps higher than 70.
Breaking this down by age takes a wacky turn, as the data show adults under 25 over-index as preferring temps over 70, by quite a bit.
Huh? Why are younger people feeling the heat? Maybe itβs because theyβre sleeping alone. Married people are more likely to set the heat to 70 degrees or under, while single, separated, and divorced, people are cranking it up over 70.
People who sleep in higher temps sleep better
Those who prefer to sleep in over 70 degrees are more likely to say theyβve been less fatigued in the past week or so.
People who sleep in higher temps also consider themselves to be healthier than their 70 or below counterparts. Perhaps the age factor plays in.
Love to sweat
Those who sleep in higher temps are more likely to exercise.
Sleeping alone
The study also found that those who like the heat cranked up over 70 are more likely to be against the idea of sleeping in a separate bed from their spouse / partner.Β
Lastly, those who sleep in full / double beds are the most likely to prefer higher sleeping temps.Β
Sleep is complicated. With so many temperature preferences, itβs a wonder any of us get along.