It’s been one of the hottest summers on record and that means sweltering temperatures day and NIGHT!
While we may be able to find some shade, or ideally air con, in the day, night time can be the worst for those of us who find ourselves tossing and turning and generally overheating.
But we’ve come up with some tips to keep you from losing your cool and wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Grab your shades and read on…
Eat lightly, sleep deeply
Yes, don’t eat a huge meal late in the evening but in the summer months go for small meals during the day. Your body has to warm up as it works to process larger meals, so smaller meals keep your body temp balanced. Also, sleeping on a full tummy in the heat is no fun and will keep you awake.
Cool cottons and linens – not just you, your bed too
Sleep in light, cool cotton nightware – vests, shorts, cooling t-shirts, strappy nighties – all these will help keep your body cool. But don’t go totally commando! You sweat so much more in a heatwave that you’ll just be sticky and sweaty!
Likewise, make sure your bed linen is cotton/linen and opt for a simple sheet on really hot nights. These provides a good barrier to breezes or if the temp drops and can be just flung off, when you get too hot.
Keep a bottle of good ol’ H2O by your bed
We simply don’t drink enough water and especially so in the summer so be sure to keep a bottle or glass of water by the bed in the night to quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids in the day to keep your kidneys flushed and to bring your body temperature down.
Pop your pillow in the fridge … we’re not kidding
If you’ve a chest freezer, try popping your pillow in a bin liner and then after folding is closed, place it in your freezer for 20 mins. Likewise with your bed sheet or pillow case if you have a regular fridge freezer or fridge. Some people swear by this and find the coolness very comforting as they drift off to sleep.
The low-down on heat…
Hot air rises, so get down as low as you can to make sure you’re surrounded by cool air. Sleep on the floor, or even head downstairs and bunk down on the sofa if you’re getting desperate to escape the heat. Your living room if you sleep in a house is likely to be much cooler in the night as the heat rises towards your upper floors and roof.
Keep your feet cool
Some people find simply keeping their feet hanging out of the bed, keeps them from feeling too hot and bothered. If that works for you, go for it! Also, take a cool foot bath before bed – many find this can help take your temperature down.
Heat detox your bedroom – switch off sockets!
Do an audit of your bedroom for electrical appliances and only leave on those that are essential in the night – ideally all (not your electric fan). Your saving energy too! Electrical sockets kick out a surprising amount of heat, and they could be the difference between sweet dreams and a sticky nightmare.
No boozing before beddy-bows
Tempting as it is to drown your overheated head in a few glasses of wine before bed to knock yourself out, it will just backfire. A boozy sleep is a light sleep say experts, so you’re likely to wake up early and not sleep deeply. Plus, you’ll be waking a thirst and starting the day dehydrated! Stick to water, herbal teas and low sugar drinks.
