Definition
Ambient temperature directly influences sleep, cognitive performance, mood, and mortality. Temperature is not a comfort issue alone — it is physiology.
Why it matters
Climate-related temperature extremes are increasing. Understanding thermoregulation and temperature’s effects is public health.
The Science
Heat exposure impairs cognition, disrupts sleep, and increases mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations. Cool bedroom temperatures support sleep. Heatwaves are associated with acute mental-health emergencies.
The NSI Perspective
NSI treats temperature as a serious environmental variable, not a preference.
Clinical Implications
Home temperature considerations belong in geriatric, sleep, and mental-health care.
Practical Application
Cool bedroom, appropriate daytime warmth. Simple, well-supported.
References
- 1.Watts N, Amann M, Arnell N, et al. The 2019 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change. Lancet. 2019;394(10211):1836–1878.