In This Article:
Quick Answers
Who really benefits? People with acid reflux, snoring, sleep apnea, or back issues. Raising your head 6-8 inches makes a real difference for reflux. We hear this from customers all the time.
What should I look for? Quiet motors (you'd be surprised how loud some are), wireless remote, and battery backup so you can lower it during power outages. Those are the must-haves.
Will my mattress work on one? Memory foam and latex flex well. Most hybrids work if they're designed for adjustable bases. Traditional innerspring usually doesn't flex right - the edges are too rigid.
Sleeping Well Without Breaking the Heating Budget
Ontario natural gas prices jumped 18% between 2023 and 2024. Electricity rates keep climbing. Every winter, the same question comes up: how do you keep your bedroom comfortable for sleep without spending a fortune on heating?
The answer is actually good news for your wallet and your sleep quality. Cooler bedrooms are better for sleep anyway.
The Sweet Spot for Sleep Temperature
Research consistently shows the best room temperature for sleep is between 15-19°C (60-67°F). That's cooler than most Canadian homes in winter. Your body temperature naturally drops as you fall asleep, and a cool room helps that process happen smoothly.
When your bedroom is too warm, you end up in lighter sleep stages. You might wake up sweating, kick off the blankets, then get cold and pull them back on. All of that disruption adds up to unrestorative sleep.
How to Keep Costs Down While Sleeping Well
Lower the Thermostat at Night
Program your thermostat to drop to 15-17°C (60-63°F) during sleeping hours. The savings add up: every degree lower saves roughly 2-3% on your heating bill. Over a winter, that's real money.
If your heating system struggles to warm the house back up in the morning, set it to start rising 30 minutes before your alarm.
Zone Your Heat
If you have multiple heating zones, keep your bedroom cooler than the living areas. No point heating a room to 21°C when you're under blankets. Close vents slightly in bedrooms (but not completely, you still need air circulation).
Seal the Drafts
A drafty bedroom creates two problems: wasted energy and uneven temperatures. Check for:
- Window gaps (seal with weather stripping)
- Door gaps (add a door sweep)
- Electrical outlets on exterior walls (install foam gaskets)
Your Bedding Is Your Insulation
Instead of heating the whole room, focus on keeping yourself warm in bed. Quality bedding does this efficiently:
Layered Duvets
A good down or down-alternative duvet traps body heat without weight. You can go heavier in winter and lighter in summer, or layer a medium weight with a blanket for adjustability.
Breathable Sheets
Cotton and bamboo sheets breathe better than synthetics. They wick moisture and help regulate temperature, so you don't overheat under warm bedding.
The Right Pillows
Down and down-alternative pillows breathe well and don't trap heat the way some foam pillows do. Memory foam can sleep warm, especially in enclosed pillowcases.
Cold Weather Mattress Considerations
Your mattress plays a role too:
- Memory foam firms up in cold rooms. If your bedroom gets quite cold during the day while you're at work, a pure foam mattress might feel firmer than you expect when you first lie down.
- Innerspring and hybrid mattresses handle temperature changes better. The coils provide consistent support regardless of room temperature, and the airflow keeps the sleep surface from getting clammy.
- Latex mattresses like Natura stay consistent across temperature ranges and naturally regulate temperature well.
Electric Options for Targeted Warmth
If you really can't tolerate a cool bedroom, targeted heat is more efficient than heating the whole room:
Electric Mattress Pads
Warm the bed, not the room. Modern electric mattress pads have dual zones so partners can choose different temperatures. Turn it on 15 minutes before bed, then turn it off as you fall asleep.
Electric Blankets
Same idea, but on top of you instead of under you. Some people prefer this because it's easier to kick off if you get too warm.
Space Heaters
If you must add heat, a small ceramic heater on a timer is more efficient than cranking the whole-house system. Use it to take the edge off while you're getting ready for bed, then turn it off.
The Morning Problem
Cold bedrooms make mornings harder. Nobody wants to leave a warm bed for a cold room. Solutions:
- Set your thermostat to start warming the house 20-30 minutes before your alarm
- Keep a warm robe near the bed
- Consider an adjustable bed that lets you sit up gradually rather than getting out all at once
When Cold is Too Cold
Some limits apply. If your bedroom drops below 15°C (60°F), you may have trouble falling asleep as your body tries to conserve heat. If you're dealing with circulation issues, joint pain, or other health conditions, you may need a warmer room than the general recommendation.
The goal is to find the temperature where you can sleep comfortably under appropriate bedding without excessive heating costs. For most people, that's cooler than they think.
We Can Help
If you're looking for bedding that keeps you warm in a cool room without overheating, come see us. We've been helping Brantford families sleep well through Ontario winters since 1987 and can recommend what works for different situations.
Mattress Miracle is at 441½ West Street, Brantford. Same-day delivery available.