Summer is here, and along with it, the glorious sunshine. Whilst some spend the day basking in the heat, many are left restless in the night, unable to sleep due to the temperature.
Here, we have teamed up with sleep expert Katherine Hall and Get Laid Beds to share Katherine’s top tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, even in the heat. She says:
“However tired you are, trying to sleep in the heat can be an exhausting challenge. That is why it is important to consider the following steps, so that whatever the weather, you get a good night’s sleep”.
1) AVOID NAPS OR SLEEPING IN THE DAY
“The heat can often leave us feeling fatigued and lethargic, making it tempting to take an afternoon nap. The trouble is that this then disrupts your everyday routine, and in turn your sleeping pattern. It is therefore important to avoid sleeping in the day or going for spontaneous naps and stick to your regular routine”.
2) KEEP THE SUN OUT
“One of the best ways to sleep well in the heat is to make sure there is no way the sun can get in. Simple techniques like drawing the blinds throughout the day will prevent the hot air entering and leave the room feeling nice and cool. Opening the windows slightly before you go to sleep will also provide a gentle breeze to help you sleep through the night”.
3) LIGHTWEIGHT SHEETS
“Heavy and thick duvets during the heat can result in a restless and uncomfortable sleep. Switching to a thinner sheet and a lightweight duvet will provide an additional level of flexibility comfort, with the material less likely to make you sweat”.
4) PYJAMAS
“It may seem simple, but something as small as sleeping in the right material can be the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. I would recommend cotton as it is breathable and soaks up sweat, providing ultimate comfort in the heat”.
5) BRING OUT THE FAN
“It is that time of year, time to dust off the fan! The cool air provides a refreshing escape from the heat and has been proven to help you sleep. For extra relief, you can try placing an ice tray in front of the fan so that when the fan blows the melting ice will fill the air, leaving the room as cool as can be”.
6) KEEP HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY
“The sweltering heat can result in a lot of sweating which means you are constantly losing fluids. It is therefore essential to stay hydrated throughout the day and drink plenty of water. Research has suggested that you should be drinking fluids before you even feel thirsty to avoid dehydration which can lead to heat exhaustion”.