Estimation of some comfort parameters for sleeping environments in dry-tropical sub-Saharan Africa region

A human being spends approximately one-third of his/her life in sleep. For an efficient and peaceful rest, he/she therefore needs some level of comfort. This includes acceptable environmental parameters as well as suitable bedding systems. While the theories of thermal comfort in workplaces at daytime are currently well established, research on thermal comfort for sleeping environment at night is limited. Further studies in relation with sleep are needed. This paper presents an investigation on thermal comfort in sleeping environments in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The comfort equation used is based on the energy balance of the human body derived from Fanger’s comfort model. Comfort charts for the dry-tropical sub-Saharan Africa region were established using indoor climatic conditions collected over five years in Ouagadougou (12°22′N, 1°32′W). Results obtained show that the suitable monthly total insulation values for bedding systems in the dry-tropical regions range between 0.81 clo and 0.94 clo. The thermoneutral operative temperature range between 29 °C and 32 °C, while the thermoneutral air temperature range between 27 °C and 30 °C.

► Thermal comfort in sleeping environments in the sub-Saharan Africa is presented.
► Comfort charts for the dry-tropical regions were established.
► Total insulation values for bedding systems range between 0.81 clo and 0.94 clo.
► Thermoneutral operative temperature ranges between 29.5 °C and 31.7 °C.
► Thermoneutral air temperature ranges between 27.1 °C and 29.6 °C.