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Nighttime Heat Stresses Hearts, Especially Seniors
18 Feb
Summary
- Bedroom heat above 75F stresses the heart, particularly in older adults.
- Heart recovery odds dropped by 40% between 75-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
- No official guidelines exist for safe nighttime bedroom temperatures.
Nighttime bedroom temperatures can negatively affect cardiovascular health, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. Excessive heat forces the heart to circulate blood more vigorously for cooling, leading to increased stress and reduced recovery.
A study involving 47 adults in southeast Queensland, Australia, monitored heart rates and bedroom temperatures over a summer. It found that heart strain began to increase above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 C).
Between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the likelihood of a significant drop in heart recovery rose by 40%. This risk doubled between 79 and 82 degrees, and nearly tripled above 82 degrees.
Researchers emphasized that maintaining overnight bedroom temperatures at or below 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit (24 C) can reduce heightened stress responses in individuals aged 65 and over. The study, published in BMC Medicine, noted that while a strong link was observed, it doesn't definitively prove heat as the sole cause.
Limitations include the focus on older adults in Australia and the use of wearable fitness trackers, which may be less precise than clinical-grade equipment. A significant finding is the lack of official guidance for safe nighttime indoor temperatures, contrasting with existing daytime limits.
