A doctor has warned why it is not healthy for people to have their heating turned up high during the night.
Dr Karan Rajan said that there are a number of reasons why it is not a good idea for the house to be too warm at night including that it can stop people from sleeping well.
The body produces the hormone melatonin when there is a drop in temperature and it is important as it helps the body to bring on sleep, reported BirminghamLive.
Dr Rajan said: "Not only does melatonin increase sleep propensity, it's also a hormone that promotes anti ageing.
"It reduces oxidative stress damage and the levels of cortisol, it reduces systemic inflammation and it's free."
With winter temperatures finally hitting the UK this week and the possibility of freezing conditions over the coming weeks, it is normal for people to quickly turn to cranking up the central heating.
But it is possible to also overheat the house and especially when it comes to sleeping.
Dr Rajan continued: "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."
At the same time when it is warmer, the body is working hard to try and bring down the temperature.
"Warmer temperatures means your brain and body are more active trying to cool you down," Dr Rajan said.
"This increased brain activity limits the amount of REM and slow wave sleep your body needs to recharge."
Aside from helping to improve sleep, cooler temperatures also have other advantages like possibly helping to reduce cholesterol.
Dr Rajan said: "There is research to suggest that cold exposure can increase the amount of brown fat produced by stem cells.
"Brown fat helps to regulate cholesterol, blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity".
