As the days get shorter and the nights grow cooler, many people notice they’re sleeping a little better. There’s a reason for that — temperature plays a big role in how well we rest. For people with sleep apnea, understanding how seasonal changes affect your sleep and CPAP therapy can make a big difference in your comfort and consistency this fall.
Why Cooler Temperatures Can Improve Sleep
Your body’s core temperature naturally drops at night to help you fall asleep. Cooler air supports that process by signaling to your brain that it’s time to rest. The ideal sleep temperature for most adults is around 60–67°F, and when your room stays within that range, it can help you:
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Fall asleep faster
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Stay asleep longer
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Experience deeper, more restorative sleep
For CPAP users, cooler nights can also make therapy more comfortable — especially if you tend to feel overheated when wearing a mask or using heated tubing in the summer months.
When Cooler Weather Can Disrupt Sleep
However, cooler weather isn’t always a sleep improvement for everyone. If your bedroom gets too cold or too dry, you might notice side effects such as:
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Dry mouth, throat, or nasal passages
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Condensation (rainout) in your CPAP tubing or mask
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Increased congestion or nasal irritation
These issues can cause discomfort and may lead to inconsistent CPAP use if not addressed properly.
How Temperature Affects Sleep Apnea
Temperature and humidity can influence how your body responds to sleep apnea treatment. In drier, cooler air, the nasal passages can become more prone to irritation, which makes breathing feel more difficult. A CPAP humidifier helps by adding moisture back into the air you breathe — keeping your airways comfortable and reducing dryness or inflammation.
Meanwhile, if your room is too warm, your body may struggle to maintain a lower core temperature, leading to lighter, more fragmented sleep and potentially worsening apnea events.
Tips to Optimize Your Room for Fall Sleep
Here are a few simple adjustments to make the most of the cooler season while keeping your CPAP therapy effective:
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Set the Right Temperature: Keep your room between 60–67°F for optimal comfort.
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Use a Heated Humidifier: Compensate for dry fall air by turning on your CPAP’s humidifier feature.
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Try Heated Tubing: Prevent condensation in your tubing by using a heated hose, such as the ResMed ClimateLineAir™ or Philips DreamStation Heated Tube.
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Avoid Overheating: Use breathable, layered bedding that can be adjusted easily throughout the night.
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Check Your Filters: Replace CPAP filters regularly to minimize allergens that often increase in fall.
The Takeaway
Cooler nights can be the perfect opportunity to refresh your sleep routine — especially if you use a CPAP machine. By balancing your bedroom temperature and humidity, you can enjoy the cozy comfort of fall while keeping your therapy consistent and effective.
If you need to update your humidifier chamber, heated tubing, or CPAP filters, explore our collection of replacement parts to keep your setup running smoothly this season.
Disclaimer: The information provided on CPAPnation.com is solely for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. CPAPnation.com is not responsible or liable for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products that you obtain through this site. Reliance on any information provided by CPAPnation.com is solely at your own risk.
