The Great Bedroom Temperature Divide: Experts Offer Solutions to End the Duvet Wars
LONDON – A long-standing domestic battle – the thermostat and duvet tug-of-war – may finally have a scientific description, and more importantly, solutions.New research and expert commentary reveal fundamental physiological differences between men and women contribute to varying temperature perceptions, often leaving couples at odds over bedroom comfort.
The core of the issue lies in how bodies regulate temperature. While men don’t need to constrict skin blood vessels to maintain core warmth, women experience fluctuating thermal comfort throughout their menstrual cycle, influenced by hormonal shifts.Dr. Eglin explains that during and promptly after menstruation, when oestrogen levels are high, women often feel colder. Conversely, following ovulation, a rise in progesterone can increase body temperature by 0.3C to 0.5C, leading to a sensation of warmth. “Possibly, this means women are more susceptible to heat stress if exposed to extreme heat in the weeks after ovulation, and to hypothermia if exposed to cold during the first couple of weeks of their cycle,” Dr. Eglin says. “It’s a small difference, but some women do feel it.”
this isn’t just a matter of personal preference; temperature impacts performance. Studies show cognitive function is affected by room temperature. Men outperformed women on maths and verbal tasks in colder environments, but women excelled when the temperature rose by just a couple of degrees. Dr. Eglin notes women generally feel most agreeable around 24C, while men prefer 21C or 22C.
The gap in temperature sensitivity narrows with age for both sexes. Men experience a slowing metabolism, loss of muscle mass, and thinning skin, hindering heat generation. Women, simultaneously occurring, face a decline in oestrogen during menopause and a reduction in subcutaneous fat, exacerbating cold sensitivity.
Beyond adjusting the thermostat, experts recommend practical strategies for co-existing comfort: wearing layers, staying hydrated, and regular movement. However, for couples consistently battling over the covers, innovative sleep solutions are emerging.
Here are three ways to end the duvet wars:
1. The Scandinavian Sleep Method: This involves using two separate single duvets rather of one double, allowing each partner to choose a thickness suited to their needs – a lighter cover for hot sleepers and a thicker one for those who feel the chill. The main drawback is potentially more challenging bed-making.
2. Split-Tog or Partner Duvets: These specially designed duvets feature different tog ratings on each side, providing individual comfort under a single cover. This maintains a cohesive bed appearance while addressing differing temperature preferences.
3. Supersize the Duvet: Opting for a lighter duvet one size larger then the bed allows the colder partner to cocoon themselves while the warmer partner can avoid overheating by simply extending a leg.
Ultimately, experts advise compromise. Setting the thermostat to a midpoint between ideal settings and utilizing blankets or lighter layers can help ensure both partners achieve a comfortable night’s sleep.
