Experts say this is the best AC temperature for sleep during the summer
Presley Bo TylerShreveport Times
Aug. 15, 2026, 4:05 a.m. CT
Hazardous heat persists in Louisiana, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s or even up to 101
During the day in the summertime, the recommended thermostat temperature for both comfort and efficiency is 78 degrees, according to electricity company Reliant Energy
However, this recommendation changes when it comes to bedtime. Many individuals prefer a much cooler AC setting for sleeping, and experts recommend a lower temperature for sleep health
Ideal AC temperature for sleeping during the summer in Louisiana
The National Sleep Foundation says the ideal temperature for sleeping is around 60 to 67 degrees for the average adult. Although, Healthline, a health and wellness site, recommends a room temperature of between 60 to 65 degrees
The reason for lower temperatures while you sleep is because the body begins to shed warmth around nighttime, so recommendations are based on the optimal temperatures that relate to your body’s internal temperature regulation. However, recommendations can vary based on life stage and body size
A sleep study for older adults published in Science of the Total Environment suggested that sleep was most restful when the temperature ranged from 68 to 77 degrees, with sleep efficiency dropping 5 to 10% when the temperature increased from 77 to 86 degrees, says the American Heart Association
For babies, Sleep Foundation recommends a room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees for sleep
If room temperature while you’re sleeping is too hot or cold, then it may affect the drop in your internal body temperature, leading you to have disrupted sleep, says Healthline
Disrupted sleep can affect more than just how drowsy you might feel the following day, as poor sleep has been linked to adverse health outcomes like cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure, says the American Heart Association
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
