Sleeping in general can be a nightmare in itself. Especially if you have things on your mind or worries.
Seeing as the UK is heading for warmer temperatures with Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at the British Weather Services, told The Express that temperatures could soar “well into the 30s” as the country heads “in the right direction” for a heat wave.
Sleep expert James Wilson at Mattress Online has put together five tips to help you get a good night’s sleep in the heat.
Hot water bottle
This may seem a little odd at first but hear us out.
Wilson explained: “We don’t need to be cold before bed, we need to be cooler. As you are winding down for bed, put your bare feet on a hot water bottle full of lukewarm water.”
This will see a “slight drop” in your core temperature that we need to sleep.
Acceptance Is Key
Sometimes we find it is mind over matter when getting some shut-eye.
The sleep expert said: “We tell ourselves ‘It is hot tonight, I won’t be able to sleep.’ Guess what happens?
“This prophecy becomes true because we focus too much on the heat. Accept that sleep will be more difficult, try to stay calm about that fact and remind yourself, we live in the UK, it will be raining before you know it.”
Avoid freezing bedding
While there are plenty of online suggestions recommending that you put your bedding or pillow in the freeze you might be wrong to do so.
Wilson said: “This sudden cold will wake your body up. Not only that, a frozen thing will always melt which causes problems – the moisture it creates warms up, making you even hotter, and it leaves a wet patch in the bed, which nobody likes sleeping in.”
Separate duvet
This may sound like a lot more washing to do but this will help you catch a good night’s kip.
Wilson said: “If you share a bed with someone else, and also share a duvet, your partner’s body heat could be making your sleep environment unbearably hot.
“Have separate duvets or sheets, based on your preference in terms of weight and material, and maybe try bamboo or silk products, which are great for absorbing and wicking away moisture.”
Shade and airflow
Getting a breeze through your home is easier said than done.
The sleep pro continued: “Often the advice says to keep windows closed so the hot air doesn’t get in, which is based on how hotter countries deal with the heat.
“But our houses have not been built from breathable materials – for a newer house this might be true, but getting windows open when it is cooler, getting some airflow through the house where possible and closing blinds and curtains when there is direct sunlight on the room can be extremely helpful.”