In hot weather, getting a good night’s rest can seem like a daunting task. So, to keep you from tossing and turning all night, we’ve compiled the top eight heatwave hacks to banish the night sweats and keep you feeling fresh until the morning.
1. Freeze your sheets
It might sound strange, but popping your sheets or pillow in the fridge can be an effective way of cooling them down.
Simply place your bed sheets in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before bed. You can wrap them in a plastic bag or a rubbish bag first to keep them hygienic. When you’re ready for bed, take them out and enjoy a chilled-out sleep.
2. Sleep alone
Cuddling might be on the table during the winter months, but it’s the last thing you want during the sticky summer nights - so you might want to consider kicking your partner out of the bed.
Sleeping together increases your body heat, which isn’t fun for anyone trying to get to sleep. If they refuse to move, try sleeping on the floor, couch, or placing a spare mattress down to avoid the hot air, which rises upwards. Science.
3. Try a cool shower
Take a cold shower before bed. This will help bring your core body temperature down and you can hit the hay feeling clean, fresh and cool.
Around thirty per cent of unwanted heat actually comes from your windows - so closing them and shutting the curtains can lower the temperature.
It may be tempting to fling the windows open and let the sun stream in, but it’s important to keep them closed, especially in the bedroom, to keep the sun out. Once the sun has gone down, open the windows to let in the cooler night air.
Pop some ice in front of your fan or even add to a cold water-filled hot water bottle for a better night's sleep.
5. Ice your fan - and your feet
Place a bowl or pan of ice in front of a plug-in fan - the airflow generated by the fan will be even colder after it sweeps over the ice.
You can also fill a hot water bottle up with cold water and put it in the freezer. Place it under your feet or use it when you go to sleep. If it’s too cold, wrap it in a light cloth or hand towel.
6. Stay hydrated
It’s simple advice, but your mum was right - you need to drink lots of water to ensure you stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to keep a glass or bottle of water by your bed. Dehydration makes it hard to regulate body temperature, and sipping water throughout the night can help.
Keep a glass or bottle of water next to your bed to help you stay hydrated.
7. Use your heat pump for cooling
Heat pumps can also be reversed into air conditioners and used to cool down the house very efficiently, if the filters are clean.
8. Swap synthetics for natural fibres
Ditch all your synthetic bedding like polyester for breathable bedding made from linen and cotton. This will allow your body to breathe and allow for airflow.
