Trying to sleep in the heat can be a nightmare. And with the UK set for a scorching summer, it’s going to be a problem those of us without the luxury of air conditioning will have to face.
Try the following tips to get a cooler night’s sleep:
1. LEAVE YOUR BEDROOM BLINDS CLOSED ALL DAY
Keep the sun from shining into your bedroom and heating it up during the day by closing the blinds or curtains. Light coloured curtains are ideal - dark curtains can make the room hotter.
2. REPOSITION YOUR FAN
Instead of putting your fan next to you, place it in front of an open window. This will circulate the cool night air coming in from outside, and maximise the draft by creating a cross flow.
3. HAVE AN ICE TIME
If you’d rather not sleep with the window open, then use this ice trick instead. You’ll just need to find an empty plastic bottle or two and puncture holes from the middle to the top. Then fill with ice to just underneath those holes.
Position the bottle(s) either in front of your fan, or attach them to the back. If you have a tower fan, you can use a tray of ice placed on the floor.
The ice will cool the air and create an air-con feeling!
4. THE NAKED TRUTH
This one may seem counter-intuitive, but don’t sleep naked. While it’s a natural reaction for many of us, it can actually make you hotter.
A natural fabric like cotton acts as a wick for your sweat and will absorb heat from your body throughout the night, allowing you to stay cool and dry.
5. A COLD SHOWER
If you’re about to get into bed and you’re already hot, a cold shower can cool you down and help you relax enough to fall asleep.
Even after you towel off, your skin is moist and the evaporation has a chilling effect, helping you stay cool and calm on those warm nights.
NB: This article is for information purposes, and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping, or have symptoms which prevent you from sleeping well, you should contact your medical practitioner.
Comments