Top 5 tips for sleeping in a heatwave
Our list of ‘things we love about summer’ is near-endless. We’re here for days spent lazing on the beach, picnics with friends and more ice cream than you can shake a stick at.
However, we don’t like sleeping when a heatwave hits. That hot, sticky warmth that keeps you tossing and turning that no amount of cold showers can alleviate.
How do we get our recommended eight hours a night when half is spent trying to drift off? That’s where we can help.
How to get to sleep in a heatwave
No one likes feeling uncomfortable, and when the heat gets to be too much there are a few tips and tricks we can call on to fall asleep faster and get an uninterrupted forty winks.
1. Keep your curtains closed
When the sun is at its peak, keep your curtains drawn. This will block out the most intense heat coming through your windows and keep your room cooler for the evening.
2. Keep windows open
Airflow is the secret to success when sleeping in a heatwave. Open your windows slightly, keep internal doors ajar and use fans to stop air from becoming stagnant and trapped in your bedroom. Our top trick is to put a bowl of ice in front of your fans for them to blow cold. Try and get plenty of fresh air throughout the day, too.
3. Don’t nap
It hurts that we’re even writing this, as honestly, what’s better than a mid-day snooze in the sun? However, if you save up your sleepiness for the night, you’re more likely to fall asleep come bedtime.
4. Stay hydrated
We should all be aiming to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, but if you find yourself waking up more frequently in the night during a heatwave, it could be your body signalling dehydration. Keep a glass of water on your bedside table to drink, as well as a cooling mist spray for your face and feet.
5. Choose natural fabrics for your bedding and pyjamas
We talk a lot about how wool is wonderful for helping you sleep better, and it’s true - even in a heatwave. Instead of sweating under a hot duvet with a cover made from polyester or acrylic, a light layer of lambswool will help regulate your temperature and keep you comfortable.
What you sleep in can also affect the quality of your slumber - cotton is breathable and moisture-wicking and a great choice for pyjamas.
What to wear to bed during a heatwave
If, like us, you prefer wearing sleepwear to bed regardless of the weather, a natural fibre will help keep you cooler opposed to a synthetic one. Fabrics like polyester and acrylic contain plastic which will make it feel like you’re wearing a portable oven. Not ideal when it’s warm outside.
Loose-fitting pyjamas made from cotton will stop you from overheating and help keep you ventilated. Cotton also absorbs any moisture, wicking away sweat from your body and making you feel comfy and cosy year-round.
