The UK’s heatwave is in full swing, and we have a pickle. Umm, how on earth do we get to sleep in the heat?! You can bet it’s a question that has been slightly plaguing us this week as the temperatures have ramped up and the days ahead are looking to be sweatier than ever for us.
It’s funny. Remember winter – we were suffering severely from lack of sunshine and longed desperately for balmy summer evenings where we could sit outside with a glass of rosé.
But now summer is here, and well… it’s too f***ing hot. Conveniently we forgot about the insects and the chin sweat (and the sweats everywhere else). There are no gauzey white curtains gently wafting in the breeze here. Nope. Instead, we’re having to peel ourselves off our patio chairs and sleep starkers on top of our duvet. We are so uncomfortable – and as a result, our sleep is suffering. (Winter, we are so sorry about the mean things we said about you)
So how do we ensure a restful night under these conditions? You’ll be pleased to hear, it can be done! For the best advice on how to sleep in the heat, we hit up Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan, Silentnight’s sleep expert, who says there are a few simple hacks that can change the game. We’re listening…
1. Don’t shut the bedroom door
To get the air flowing, you need to keep the window and doors open to allow the air to circulate through. If you can, open another window outside of your bedroom (maybe in the bathroom or hallway) to encourage a breeze. Just make sure you wedge your bedroom door open to stop it from slamming.
You can also stop your bedroom from overheating during the day by keeping the light out during the day by closing your curtains and blinds.
2. A change is as good as a rest
If you become restless in the night, try finding a new position (even switching from top to tail and moving your pillow to the end of the bed). This gives you a better chance of finding a cooler spot that you’ve not already warmed up with your body heat and may mean you might be in a better position to benefit from the airflow.
3. Get technical
Want a little extra help? If you can, try out some sleep tech. The Cool Gel Pillow Pad, £19.99, is particularly triumphant. It’s made up of cooling gel sections that, when slipped under your pillow, help to keep your head cool.
If overheating is a problem you suffer with year-round, sleep brand Eve, has developed a mattress infused with graphite to draw heat away from your body and regulate your body temperature. Clever.
4. Try the wet towel trick
If you’re lacking air-con (aren’t we all), try rinsing down an old towel and placing it in front of an open window, or even in front of your fan, if you have one. This will mean any air flowing through will pick up the cool moisture and help circulate it around the room. Omg, genius!
5. Make sure your sheets are breathable
Polyester has a tendency to hold onto heat and is water-resistant, meaning if you sweat, it’ll stay trapped against your skin and make you clammy. Instead, opt for breezy, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Ikea has a massive selection of 100% cotton sheets, and H&M has some beautiful linen duvet covers. A summer treat you thoroughly deserve. If you’re feeling swanky, The White Company often have sales.