We have a way of adapting to the temperature around us. When it is cold, we put on a coat or use a blanket and when it is hot, we wear lightweight clothes. These decisions are inconsequential – or so we think.
Researchers at the Medical Research Council in Glasgow, United Kingdom have shown that temperature is a crucial factor in the:
• Well-being of individuals with respiratory health issues;
• Quality and quantity of sleep enjoyed by individuals; and
• Level of productivity among workers.
In the study, a sample group of New Zealanders, both children and adults,with respiratory issues were asked to increase the temperatures in their homes. The researchers found that the subjects’ health improved so much so that within six months, the number of individuals who indicated that they were in “poor to fair health” declined by 50%.
Of course, other factors were also considered but the researchers concluded that heat/warmth has an important role in the maintenance of health as well as in the improvement of personal relationships and attendance at work and at school.
Sleep is yet another aspect of life where temperature has a significant impact. Although many individuals assert that colder temperatures are essential to a good night’s sleep, you are more likely to disagree – and so do the researchers. You will discover that the ideal room temperatures for sleeping are between 68°F and 72°F.
Too cold and too warm temperatures will make you wake up from a deep slumber just to grab a thick blanket or shed it off. You will then want to find a good balance between warm and cold according to your preference with your starting point being 68°F to 72°F.
As for work productivity, researchers at the Cornell University discovered that employees tend to make lesser number of mistakes at 77°F room temperature. Perhaps you can take it up at the next office meeting.