Tossing, turning, sticking one foot out of the sheets, grumpily flipping to the ‘cool side’ of the pillow… We’ve all had those nights where we just CAN’T nod off because it’s simply too hot to sleep. So the question we’re asking ourselves now is – how to sleep in hot weather?
As the temperatures steadily increase this summer, getting some much needed shut-eye becomes more and more difficult. But don’t sweat it, because we’ve compiled a guide of tips and tricks that reveal how to sleep in hot weather, which it’s just too hot too sleep.
Humidity is the biggest problem when it comes to sleeping in the summer. While the sun might be down, high levels of humidity prevent sweat being evaporated from the body, keeping you sticky, uncomfortable and awake. Yuck.
But you don’t have to wait till autumn to get your eight hours. Try our handy tips to help you nod off when it’s too hot to sleep…
Wear cotton nightclothes and use cotton bedsheets
Other fabrics like satin, silk and polyester won’t help cool you down when it’s too hot to sleep. Cotton is lightweight and allows for air circulation, making it the perfect fabric for bedding and nightwear.
Use your hot water bottle
Hear us out. Just as you can fill it with boiling water to keep you toasty during winter, you can fill it with water and stick it in the freezer. Use as a cooling ice pack at the foot of your bed.
Invest in an electric fan
It may sound like obvious advice, but it’s not just using the fan that helps when it’s too hot to sleep, but how you position it. Instead of pointing it straight at your face and blowing the hot air around, point it at the window to blow the hot air out. It’s one of the best ways to cool a room when the heat is too much.
Put your bed sheets in the freezer
It might sound bizarre, but putting your bed sheets in the freezer about half an hour before you want to settle down can make all the difference in cooling you down. This one might require you to clear a bit of space in your freezer, as you’ll need to put the sheets into a bag, but trust us – it’ll be worth it.
Stay hydrated
Keep a glass of water by your bedside table. It sounds simple, but staying hydrated can really help cool you down during balmy nights.
Have a cool shower
Reduce your core temperature before you hop into bed with a cool or cold shower.
Avoid using the stove
Try room temperature or cold foods for dinner to aid digestion and reduce the amount of heat in your house late in the evening. If you really want a hot dinner, try using the grill.
Dunk your toes in cold water
Applying cold water to pulse points like the elbows, wrists and toes can help reduce your temperature. Dip your feet in a basin of cold water before you nod off, and keep it beside your bed to use every so often.
Turn it off!
Turning off lightbulbs and small gadgets will reduce the amount of heat emitted in your bedroom, not to mention slashing your energy bills. It’s one of the best ways to cool a room.
