The term “beauty rest,” is not just a myth. Maintaining a room temperature that is no higher than 70 degrees while we sleep allows the anti-aging hormones — melatonin and the growth hormone — to function properly. A sleep environment that is too hot will not allow the body to naturally cool itself and disrupts the release of these hormones. Sleeping in complete darkness stimulates the release of melatonin, which cools the body, and then the growth hormone is released. Hormones will work better at lower temperatures and will allow the body to regenerate resulting better hair and skin. A 2012 study published in the journal Sleep found getting deep, restorative sleep can improve athletic performance with the release of the growth hormone.