Cooler Bedrooms, Healthier Hearts: Study Shows 24°C Threshold Reduces Stress in Older Adults

New research reveals how a 24°C bedroom at night could protect older adults from heat-induced stress—a critical insight as climate change intensifies hot weather.

A Griffith University study published in BMC Medicine found that maintaining a bedroom temperature of 24°C (75°F) at night reduces stress responses in individuals aged 65 and over.

Participants wore fitness trackers and had sensors installed in their bedrooms during the Australian summer to monitor physiological responses.

Dr. Fergus O'Connor explained:

"For individuals aged 65 years and over, maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at 24°C reduced the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress responses during sleep."

The study highlights that heat exposure increases heart rate as the body works to circulate blood to the skin for cooling. Dr. O'Connor noted:

"When the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day's heat exposure."

While the research provides "first real-world evidence" of temperature's impact on cardiovascular stress, it acknowledges limitations as an observational study. Correlation between temperature and stress responses does not imply causation.

The findings also reveal gaps in public health guidelines, as current standards only address daytime temperatures (26°C) but not nighttime conditions.

Dr. O'Connor emphasized the public health implications:

"Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by impairing sleep and autonomic recovery."

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