An Energy-Efficient Approach for Thermal Comfort and Sleep Quality in Subtropical Bedrooms

Tsz-Wun Tsang (), Kwok-Wai Mui, Kwun-Hei Cheung and Ling-Tim Wong
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Tsz-Wun Tsang: Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Kwok-Wai Mui: Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Kwun-Hei Cheung: Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Ling-Tim Wong: Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: This study conducted a within-subject study to assess sleeping environmental comfort, acceptance, and self-reported sleep quality in air-conditioned and mixed-mode ventilated bedrooms in a subtropical region during the summer. A wide thermal comfort temperature range of 22.2 °C to 28.2 °C was observed, with slightly warmer thermal sensation at higher temperatures but no significant differences in sleep quality or environmental comfort acceptance within this range. Subjects adapted to warmer sleeping conditions by choosing lighter clothing and bedding insulation. Energy simulations indicated a reduction in the percentage of nights requiring cooling from 65% to 23% by increasing the set-point temperature from 22 °C to 28 °C, resulting in a potential 95% savings in cooling energy. This study advocates for an economical and energy-efficient approach to enhance sleeping thermal comfort while reducing cooling energy usage. These findings offer valuable insights for improved residential building design and optimized cooling energy management practices, especially in light of intensified climate change and the imperative for behavioral changes to promote building sustainability.

Keywords: sleeping thermal comfort; optimal bedroom indoor temperature; bedroom cooling energy consumption; sleep quality; behavioral changes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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