The present invention relates to a device and method for providing precise temperature control using inexpensive temperature controllers and/or thermostats. Specifically the invention provides modifications to either a temperature controller and/or a thermostat that enables precise temperature control using inexpensive components. The series rheostat type differential eliminator (SRDE) is an inexpensive circuit that interfaces between a temperature controller and a thermistor or other temperature sensor element. The SRDE is essentially a circuit that switches the thermistor between a shunt and a rheostat in a manner that reduces or eliminates the temperature differential, while preventing the system from going into "chatter." The heating resistor type differential eliminator (HRDE) is an inexpensive and simple circuit design that uses a thermostat and heating resistor to provide both direct and accurate temperature control for a heating and/or cooling control element, while also preventing the system from chattering. Either of these devices can be used with a temperature-controlled device for sleeping. Both the SRDE and HRDE embodiments reduce the temperature differential of simple automatic temperature controllers so that they are better capable of achieving precise temperature control.