Create a ‘Cold Room’ in Your Home

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen cold rooms trending.

Cold rooms—also known as cold-air dorms, CADs, or cold airs—are spacious, quiet, and dimly lit areas in sorority and fraternity houses, furnished with multiple bunk beds to accommodate members for sleeping.

What is a cold room?

Cold rooms were inspired by sleeping porches, which were extremely popular in the early 1900s before air conditioning was widespread. They were furnished with beds, so sleepers could enjoy a nightly cross-breeze during the hot summers.

Some of the larger sororities and fraternities have used these cold rooms to house many members when individual rooms were in short supply.

‘Nap time’ for adults

Sorority and fraternity members often stop by the cold room to catch a quick nap between classes or assignments.

“In today’s fast-paced, sleep-deprived world, napping isn’t just indulgent—it has health benefits, too,” says sleep coach Elina Winnel, who is known as “The Sleep Expert.”

Why cold rooms make you sleep better

The cooler temperatures in a cold room “make it easier to fall asleep by supporting the body’s natural thermoregulation and circadian rhythms,” explains Winnel.

She says most people sleep best in environments around 60 to 68 degrees.

Darkness facilitates good sleep, too

Supermodel Kendall Jenner once told Vogue that total darkness is essential to her sleep routine, declaring her “blackout curtains are amazing.”

Create your own cold room

You don’t have to live on a college campus or be in a sorority or fraternity to reap the benefits of a cold room.

Here are the top 10 ways to hack the cold-room vibe in your own home:

1. Clear the clutter. A clean, simple environment can “minimize distractions, reduce stress, and promote relaxation,” according to Winnel.
2. Adjust the thermostat. Aim for a room temperature between 60 to 67 degrees, which is generally considered optimal for sleep.
3. Get a fan. “Not only can it help lower the temperature, a fan can also create white noise, which may further aid sleep,” says Jennifer Polikoff, vice president of trend and design at Lush Decor Home in East Brunswick, NJ.
4. Install blackout curtains. This is priority No. 1, according to Winnel. “No compromises here,” she says.
5. Limit electronics. Keep electronic devices to a minimum in the bedroom, as they can generate heat and emit blue light, which may disrupt sleep.
6. Put a glass of water on your nightstand before bed. Staying hydrated can help regulate body temperature. “But avoid drinking too much right before bed to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom,” warns Polikoff.
7. Use a cooling mattress pad or pillow. Consider investing in a cooling mattress pad or gel-infused pillows designed to regulate temperature.
8. Choose the right bedding. Opt for lightweight materials like cotton or linen for sheets and blankets. Polikoff says to avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics that can trap heat at all costs.
9. Wear breathable pajamas. Choose ones made of natural materials such as cotton, linen, or silk, which keep you cool while you sleep.
10. Crack a window. “If the weather plays along, open a window for fresh air—nature’s AC,” says Winnel.

Conclusion:
Cold rooms have been a staple of sorority and fraternity houses for decades, providing a space for members to sleep, socialize, and foster a sense of community. While they may seem old-fashioned, the benefits of cold rooms extend beyond just providing a comfortable sleeping space. The cooler temperatures and darkness of the room can actually improve sleep quality and promote better rest. With the rise of TikTok, cold rooms have taken on a new level of popularity, and it seems that people are eager to learn more about this unique sleeping arrangement.