skip to navigation Heart LISTEN Lifestyle Doctor explains why you shouldn't keep your heating on at night 1 December 2021, 16:08 | Updated: 1 December 2021, 16:11 Here's why you shouldn't keep your heating on at night. Picture: Getty Images By Naomi Bartram @naomibartram A doctor has revealed why keeping the heating on at night can be bad for your sleep. Listen to this article Loading audio... With temperatures set to plunge this December, you’ve probably already cranked the heating up. But now a doctor has revealed why you should probably turn the thermostat down when you go to sleep. The body produces the hormone melatonin when there is a drop in temperature and this helps the body to bring on sleep. Drivers risk £5,000 fine for wearing Christmas jumpers, boots and winter coats Why you should never let your child wear a winter coat in the car You should turn off the heating when you're sleeping. Picture: Alamy Dr Karan Rajan told Birmingham Live: "Our body's core temperature needs to drop to initiate sleep. "So a cooler temperature gets you closer to the target sleep temperature of your body, so you fall asleep a lot faster." He added: "Warmer temperatures means your brain and body are more active trying to cool you down. "This increased brain activity limits the amount of REM and slow wave sleep your body needs to recharge." According to scientists from the University of Southern Australia, those who suffer from insomnia tend to have a higher temperature when they first go to bed. A doctor has revealed you shouldn't sleep with the heating on. Picture: Alamy This can make it difficult for them to fall asleep, so doctors recommend that in order to fall into a deeper sleep, it’s better to be in a slightly cooler room. Dr Cameron Van den Heuvel previously told Yahoo UK: "This results in a state of heightened arousal that prevents them from falling asleep when they go to bed, probably because they have to wait for their bodies to lose the heat that's keeping them awake. "We're only talking about a half to one degree [Celsius] (32.9°F-to-33.8°F) but that small temperature change can result in significant differences in arousal between insomniacs and people without sleeping problems." According to Country Living, keeping the heating up high during the night may also cause your skin to dry out and appear red and itchy the following morning. More Lifestyle See more Your kids can get a personal message from Santa this The baby names most likely to end up on the naughty list Aunts are just as important as mums when raising girls The Queen banned the royal family from playing Monopoly Parents reveal the best places to hide Christmas presents Trending on Heart Coronation Street fan recognise Curtis’ dad as former Home Alone fans can now stay in the McCallisters' house Mum wins £300,000 after bosses sacked her for falling Ant and Dec mock I'm A Celebrity stars as they reveal Holly Willoughby's This Morning outfit today: How to get Paddy McGuinness in tears as he worries autistic children Last posting dates for Christmas delivery 2021: Royal You can now buy a hot water bottle for your feet Mum accidentally lists baby son for sale saying she Police stop motorist for driving with snow-covered Vin Diesel shares letter to Paul Walker about their Coca Cola truck tour 2021 locations: New locations and Here's what Simon Gregson’s Coronation Street brother Coleen Nolan is spending Christmas with her new boyfriend Ant and Dec reveal moment I’m A Celebrity set was Back to top Also on Heart Listen to Global Player Sustainability Heart Bingo Heart 70s Heart Breakfast with Jamie and Amanda Heart 80s Heart Dance Heart 90s I'm a Celebrity Married at First Sight Quizzes Homes & Garden Netflix The Chase Gogglebox EastEnders Books & Culture Coronation Street Shopping Great British Bake Off Royals Peter Andre Emmerdale Pets Stacey Solomon Travel Feel Good Summer Fashion Wellness Parenting Holly Willoughby Beauty Food & Health This Morning TV & Movies Useful Links Contact Us Help How To Listen Company Details Cookies Public File Privacy Terms & Conditions Advertise Download the app Follow Us Follow Heart on Twitter Follow Heart on Facebook Follow Heart on Instagram Follow Heart on Youtube © Global 2021 30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA Privacy Manager