Is a Smart Bed Worth the High Price Tag for Better Sleep?

The Importance of Temperature for Sleep

Your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, relies on temperature cues to signal when it's time to sleep. Eating or exercising right before bed can raise your body temperature and make it harder to fall asleep. The ideal sleep temperature is between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Smart beds can help achieve this perfect temperature range by cooling down or heating up your bed surface just before you climb in.

How Smart Beds Work

Most smart beds use either water or air to regulate temperature.

• Water-Based Systems: Brands like Eight Sleep and Sleepme use water tubes connected to a control unit to heat or cool the water running through the bed.
• Air-Based Systems: Brands like Sleep Number use a dynamic airflow system with fans that pull heat away from your body.
• Advanced Tracking: Some smart beds even track your body and environmental temperature throughout the night and adjust accordingly. This is great for couples with different temperature preferences, as each side of the bed can be adjusted independently.

The Cost of Smart Beds

The big question is whether these benefits are worth the high price. Smart beds can cost thousands of dollars, with some models even requiring subscription fees.

• Eight Sleep Pod: A queen-size model can range from $2,649 to $4,649, depending on the features.
• Sleep Number: Climate control beds, like the ClimateCool and Climate360, can cost between $4,499 to $5,499.

Affordable Alternatives

If a smart bed is out of your budget, don't worry. There are cheaper ways to cool down or warm up your bed for better sleep. But if you have the money to spare, a smart bed could be a game-changer for your sleep quality.