Tips for Sleeping in Hot Weather

Introduction:

Many of us count down the minutes until summer arrives. Longer evenings and more time spent outside is a joy. However, sometimes hot days bring even hotter nights and can cause sleep disruption.

We all know how important sleep is to our overall health and wellbeing, but a change in temperature can play havoc with even the best-intentioned routines. Below you’ll find our tried and tested tips for sleeping in hot weather.

Pictured above is our Ochre Stripe Duvet Set.

Use a Fan:

If you have access to one, a fan is a great idea for use in your bedroom during hot weather. However, if the air is hot, you’ll simply be blowing hot air further around your bedroom. Instead, place a bowl of ice-cold water underneath your fan. This helps cool the air.

Another good tip for using a fan on hot nights, it is position one facing out of your window, and another facing in. This creates a wind tunnel affect which can also help cool the air down. You need ensure the windows are at opposite ends of your house with internal doors open.

Have a warm shower before bed and keep the lights low or off completely:

You’ve probably heard this one but having a warm shower before bed on a hot night can help your body begin to cool down at a steady rate. A recent article in Good Housekeeping online states that having a very cold shower, no matter how tempting it may feel in hot temperatures, can cause your body’s stress response to trigger and can constrict your blood vessels. This can end with you feeling hotter as your body works to warm back up.

Having a shower can begin the wind-down process ahead of your bedtime and acts as a signal to your body. Keeping the lights off and showering in natural or at least low light – known as “dark showering” can also affect melatonin levels and aid sleep.

Choose Linen bedsheets:

Of course, we are a little biased but if you do struggle to sleep in hotter temperatures, consider trying linen bedsheets. A natural fabric, it is soft and breathable. Many of our customer switch out their cotton sheets in favour or linen, or linen blends for the warmer months.

Swap Duvets:

If If you typically use a heavy tog duvet, now is the time to switch it out for summer. Choose a 4.5 tog or even a light cotton quilt and a top sheet instead.

Use your blinds and curtains during the day:

Keeping your blinds or curtains closed can help in keeping your bedroom cooler, especially during peak hours. By stopping the sun shining directly in, you can manage the internal environment easier.

Use a frozen hot water bottle:

While many of us may try to avoid hot water bottles during heat waves, a cold-water bottle might be a useful tool. Simply fill your hot water bottle with water and pop it into your freezer until frozen. Wrap in a reusable plastic bag and towel before placing in your bed for the night.

Wrap your feet in a cold, wet towel:

Another unusual tip for sleeping in hot weather but one we swear by. If you need to cool down rapidly, you can wrap your feet in a cold, wet towel. This lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body quickly and effectively.

Hydrate:

Hydrating throughout the day will help you sleep and regulate your temperature at night. If you’re struggling with sleep, avoid caffeine and sugary drinks as these can be counterproductive.

Sleep alone:

If you have the luxury of a spare bedroom or nice sofa, it might be an idea to try sleeping alone, especially on very hot nights. It can be hard enough to sleep in hot weather at the best of times, never mind beside a human radiator – or so it may seem!

Conclusion:

We hope some of these tips help you to sleep throughout the warmer months. Explore our duvet covers and bedsheets to create the perfect bedroom escape this summer.