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This one tip will help you sleep better tonight

A few seconds are all you need to get a better night's rest.

Alina Bradford CNET Contributor
Alina Bradford has been writing how-tos, tech articles and more for almost two decades. She currently writes for CNET's Smart Home Section, MTVNews' tech section and for Live Science's reference section. Follow her on Twitter.
Alina Bradford
2 min read
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Ry Crist/CNET

In just seconds, you can get a better night's rest without fancy sleeping tech or other expensive sleep aids. All you have to do is change your thermostat.

For those of you that argue over how cool a room should be with your partner (guilty!), chilly is the right answer. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the best sleep happens in a room that's around 60 to 67 degrees F (15 to 19 degrees C) for adults and children, and between 65 and 70 degrees F (18 to 21 degrees C) for babies and toddlers. 

That's not just a guess, though. Science backs it up. 

16 smart thermostats to regulate your home's heat and AC

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Why does temperature matter?

As you go throughout your day, your body temperature goes up and down. When you get sleepy, your temperature starts to drop to get your body into sleep mode and to settle into REM sleep. 

A warm room prevents your body from reaching its optimal sleep temperature, causing a restless night sleep and even insomnia. If you wake up sweaty, that's a sure sign that your room is too warm -- or you're using too many blankets. 

Sleeping with the room too cold, though, isn't good for sleep either. Being too cold can make your muscles contract to stay warm, preventing you from relaxing and falling into a deep sleep.

Energy concerns 

Worried about running up your electricity bill from keeping the A/C on all night? Run a fan instead, which can make a room feel 10 degrees cooler without using as much energy.

Read more: How to tell if you have sleep apnea14 proven ways to get better sleep | Hopping into bed with sleep tech? Not so fast

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.