10 Unexpected Tips For Sleeping Peacefully In The Heat

By Moira Chisholm

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1 Don’t use a cool fan

Once it gets hot, you may be tempted to put the fan on but, surprisingly, they don’t have that much of an effect as the heat is already trapped in the room. Instead, open your window as wide as you feel comfortable.

2 Think counter clockwise

For those that have a ceiling fan, did you know that a clockwise motion could be making you hotter? However, a fan turning counter clockwise can help bring cooler air towards you.

3 Never sleep naked

When the temperature starts to soar, it’s instinctive to want to strip off and sleep naked but this can actually make you feel hotter in bed. But if you wear PJs made of a natural fabric, like cotton, it increases the surface area for the sweat to evaporate and will, therefore, make you feel much cooler.

4 Don’t have a cold shower pre-bedtime

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While cold showers can offer a multitude of benefits, they do, however, raise your body temperature. Instead, shower in tepid water and place cool cotton pads or flannels on your pressure points, such as your wrists – to keep cool.

5 Opt for cotton bed sheets

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Silk sheets may look great on Instagram, but it should come as no surprise that they are not great for the heat. Cotton bed sheets have better breathable qualities that draw sweat away and absorb, keeping you cool at night.

6 Get out in the sun throughout the day

Portrait of elderly woman running with headphones in the park in early morning. Attractive looking mature woman keeping fit and healthy.;

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Exposure to sunlight is one of the cues for creating a regular sleeping pattern. So, enjoy the sun and get outdoors – but remember to protect your skin! Then when you do go to bed, make your room extra dark, as the stark contrast between the two scenarios will remind your body that it’s bed-time.

7 Put your socks in the fridge and fill up your hot water bottle

Cooling your feet lowers your overall body temperature, so start putting your socks in the fridge door and wearing them to bed. Likewise, try filling your hot water bottle with cold water. This can help those who are unable to open their windows.

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8 Break out the wool

Wool is not just for winter. In fact, wool is naturally thermo-regulating and can help you keep cool throughout the night.

9 Unplug your phone

It might be convenient to charge your phone at night, but any gadgets that are plugged in overnight – even if you aren’t using them – are generating heat. So, either keep it off charge, or place it in another room to charge.