Hot weather: Some tips on how to sleep in the heat

Hot weather: How to sleep in the heat
When the temperatures are high many of us struggle with the challenge of getting a good night's sleep. However, there are things you can do to try and beat the heat.

1. No napping
Hot weather can make us feel a bit lethargic during the day. That's because we are using more energy to regulate our internal temperature. If your sleep is disturbed at night, try to avoid napping during the day. When it's hot, sleepiness can be precious - save it for bedtime.

2. Keep to routines
Hot weather can encourage you to change your habits. Don't, because that can disrupt sleep. Try to keep to your usual bedtime and routines. Do the things you normally do before bed.

3. Remember the basics
Take steps to make sure your bedroom is as cool as it can be at night. During the day, draw the curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. Make sure you close the windows on the sunny side of your home, to keep hot air out. Open all the windows before you go to bed, to get a through breeze.

4. Use thin sheets
Reduce your bedding but keep covers handy. Thin cotton sheets will absorb sweat. However hot it is in your bedroom, your body temperature will fall during the night - that's why we sometimes wake up feeling cold.

5. Chill your socks
Using even a small fan can be sensible in hot weather, especially when it's humid. It encourages the evaporation of sweat and makes it easier for your body to regulate your internal temperature. If you don't have a fan, try filling your hot water bottle with ice cold liquid instead. Alternatively, cool socks in the fridge and put those on. Cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body.

6. Stay hydrated
Drink enough water throughout the day but avoid drinking very large amounts before bed. You probably don't want to wake up thirsty - but you don't want to take an additional trip to the bathroom in the early hours either.

7. But think about what you drink

Be careful about soft drinks. Many contain large amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and makes us feel more awake. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as well. Many people drink more when the weather is hot. Alcohol might help us fall asleep but it promotes early morning waking and a poorer quality of sleep overall.

8. Stay calm
If you are struggling to sleep, get up and do something calming. Try reading, writing, or even folding your socks. Just make sure you don't play on your phone or a video game - the blue light makes us feel less sleepy and the activity is stimulating. Return to bed when you feel sleepy.

9. Think of the children
Children are usually quite robust sleepers - but they can be very sensitive to changes in family "mood" and routine. Make sure usual bedtimes and bath times don't go out of the window just because it's warm! As part of the bedtime routine, lukewarm baths are recommended by the NHS UK website. Make sure they aren't too cold, as that will boost circulation (your body's way of keeping warm). A baby can't let you know if they are too hot or too cold, so it is important to monitor their temperature. They will sleep best when the room temperature is kept between 16C and 20C. You could install a thermometer where the baby is sleeping.

10. Get over it
Most of us need about seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep each night to function properly. But remember that most people can function well after a night or two of disturbed sleep. Although you might yawn a little more frequently than usual, you'll probably be fine.

These tips were based on suggestions by Prof Kevin Morgan, former director of the Clinical Sleep Research Unit at Loughborough University, and Lisa Artis, of the Sleep Council. This article was first published in July 2019.

All words above and more can be seen here

~ I hope you sleep well and wake refreshed ~

Have you any tips for sleeping in the heat?

Do please share them in the comments.

For those readers not experiencing the heat at the moment but still having problems sleeping this article may help:-

If Sometimes Sleep is Elusive - Getting Quality Rest Helps -see here

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All the best Jan