When the mercury rises in the UK, which amazingly does happen from time to time – and with increasing vigour – it can feel like your bedroom is closer to the equator than you’d perhaps like it to be.
Not everyone enjoys a tropical climate when trying to catch the requisite 8 hours of Zzzeds, especially when an uncomfortable heatwave affects your precious slumber.
And suddenly, it feels as though those tropical temperatures are becoming more familiar on these shores.
Traditionally, UK homes have been designed to maintain warmth, optimal for the country’s typically cool and damp climate. However, with escalating global temperatures and frequent heat waves, our current residential infrastructure feels increasingly inadequate.
The lack of appropriate insulation and cooling systems results in these homes becoming uncomfortably, and potentially dangerously, hot during periods of extreme heat, particularly when we’re trying to get some rest.
Don’t sweat it; we’ve got 9 savvy tips for sleeping comfortably this summer, without needing a breezy beach close by to take the edge off.
Cool Your Jets (Or at Least Your Devices)
This might sound like a surprising one, but it makes a difference, trust us…
Devices like mobile phones, laptops or tablets can heat up when in use, and every degree counts here. Turn off and unplug these devices to prevent unnecessary heat emission. This not only allows better sleep, but it also conserves energy. Consider it a win-win.
Get Dark, Stay Cool
Blackout curtains can significantly reduce the heat inside your room, acting as an insulating barrier by blocking the sunlight, which is particularly useful in summer when we’re pushing 17 hours of daylight in the UK. They can also aid in reducing noise levels for our city-dwelling friends.
Choose The Right Bedding
Different kinds of fabric retain heat differently. Choose breathable materials, like cotton, that are way more forgiving in the heat. Avoid polyester and other synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
Perhaps best of all is linen. Made from the fibres of the flax plant, it’s extremely breathable and also very absorbent. This means it can absorb moisture from your skin and then quickly evaporate it, which helps to keep you cool.
Water Bottle Chills
Reusable plastic water bottles do more than keep you hydrated. Fill it with water, freeze it during the day and place it at the foot of the bed at night. It acts as a cool pack and helps to keep your bed cooler.
I’m A Big Fan
If you don’t want to rely heavily on air conditioning, fans can provide a refreshing breeze that feels great on a hot summer night. Make your fan work smarter by placing it strategically to push the warm air out of the window. Want to upgrade from that? Try a chilling hack by placing a bowl of ice in front of your fan for the creation of a cool mist.
And if you’re keen to evoke a sense of tropical chill whilst keeping the temperature in your bedroom down, then consider buying a new ceiling fan, which helps circulate air and offers a soothing, satisfying soundtrack to sleep, too.
Stay Hydrated
Try to remember this often-repeated but crucial advice during the summer. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. The NHS has some great advice on this subject, of course.
Consider An Air Cooler
There’s been a lot of debate lately about the increasing need for air-conditioning in UK homes. Thinking of a notch-down version of AC? Then an efficient air cooler can become your best buddy during the summer months. These evaporative coolers are portable and use water and the process of evaporation to cool the air and add some moisture.
They also come at a fraction of the price of an air conditioning unit, regularly clocking in at under £100.
Room Rotation
The direction a room faces can impact how much sun it gets during the day. Typically, bedrooms on the north side of the house will be cooler. If possible, you might consider switching to a room that’s on the cooler side of the house.
Cool Showers Help
A refreshingly cool shower before hitting the sack can do wonders. It lowers the body temperature, perfect for getting in a dreamy state.
Keep in mind that during the summer, maintaining a cooler environment isn’t just about comfortable sleep. It’s about your well-being. So, try these strategies to get a good night’s sleep during those hotter than hot summer nights. And remember, if you’ve tried all of this and it’s still too warm, there’s always a gelateria nearby.
Do check out Public Health England’s Heatwave Plan for more comprehensive advice on staying cool this summer.
Sweet dreams and stay cool!