People in Palm Beach County are cranking up the air conditioning to beat the heat. But did you know Florida's favorite sleep temperature is much lower than the recommended temperature for air conditioner thermostats.
Florida has the second warmest preferred sleep temperature in the nation at 69.2 degrees, according to a study by sleep wellness brand Bear Mattress. It found that the nation’s ideal sleep temperature is 67 degrees.
Sleep temperature preferences vary by region. Hawaii sleeps the warmest at 69.5 degrees and Massachusetts sleeps the coldest at 63.2 degrees.
“The sweet spot for slumber is 67°F, a perfect balance of cool comfort and cozy warmth,” reads an Aug. 4 Bear Mattress press release. “It's the temperature most Americans say helps
them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.”
More than 2,000 people across 50 states participated in the study, which looked at how geography and generation influence how Americans go to sleep.
What’s the recommended temperature for air conditioner thermostats?
The recommended average temperature for air conditioner thermostats in the summer is 78 degrees, according to energy companies including Florida's Carrier, Chicago's Constellation and New York and Massachusetts' National Grid.
But the brutal Florida heat often drives the state’s residents to set their thermostats below that.
Florida Power & Light energy expert Bianca Soriano recommends that Floridians set their air conditioner thermostats between 75 and 78 degrees while at home in the summer.
For each degree that the thermostat is raised within that range, monthly cooling costs can drop by 3% to 5%.
Maya Washburn is a Trending News Reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida's favorite AC temperature is lower than what's recommended
