Summer: How to beat the heat and get to sleep

It's finally summer and temperatures are rising across the UK. Days out with friends and family, enjoying the sun, you can’t beat it – it's what we have all been waiting for! However, when it comes to night, the heat can make sleeping rather difficult. As the temperature rises, the nights become sweltering and getting to sleep can feel like an elusive dream. The discomfort caused by excessive heat can disrupt our sleep patterns which in turn leave us feeling tired and groggy the following day. There are plenty of simple strategies we can do to beat the heat and achieve a restful night’s sleep. In this blog we explore how to stay cool and comfortable, allowing you to drift into a peaceful sleep despite the hot weather.

Start with the basics

Ensuring your bedroom is cool before you even start sleeping is the first step you should take. Keep your curtains or blinds shut during the day to keep the sun out, and make sure you open your windows when the sun is on the opposite side of your home an hour or so before bed. You can also purchase blackout curtains or blinds to prevent direct sunlight from entering the bedroom and this will keep the room cooler during the day.

Use the correct bedding

Be sure you use thin bed sheets and duvets made from soft and breathable materials to stop yourself from overheating. During the warmer months, it's advisable to switch to lightweight and breathable bedding materials like cotton or linen, which will allow better airflow and heat dissipation. You can also invest in a cooling mattress topper and pillows as they are designed to regulate body temperature and provide a refreshing sleep surface. Air flow toppers that feature a cooling gel memory foam are also perfect for keeping cool, plus they will adapt to your body as you sleep so you're comfortable all night!

Wear the right sleepwear!

Wearing the appropriate sleepwear can significantly impact your comfort levels during the hot summer nights. It's always best to opt for something lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable, potentially made from natural fabrics such as cotton or bamboo. These materials promote airflow helping you stay cool and sweat free.

At Chums, we have a huge selection of nightwear – both our men's collection and ladies collection come in a variety of styles including pyjamas, nightdresses and nightshirts. Whatever you wear to bed, make sure it's thin and loose fitting to give air a chance to flow across your body.

Get a cold shower and stay hydrated

A quick and easy method is to get a cold shower just before you go to bed. It will lower your body temperature which should help you sleep.

Making sure you stay hydrated throughout the day always helps with your overall wellbeing and temperature regulation. Drink a lot through the day and keep a cold glass of water near your bed, as it will cool you down if you wake up feeling hot.

Upgrade your fan, for (almost) nothing

You don’t need to purchase a new fan to upgrade it. Simply fill a washing bowl, bucket, or a few plastic bottles with ice and place in front of your fan. You’ll get a lovely cool breeze that should last until you’re well away. It's also a good idea to open the windows to maximise airflow and ventilation. Investing in a fan will always create a cross breeze and circulate the air.

Freeze your sheets, yes, really!

This may sound like a joke, but this really works. Put your bed sheets and pillowcases in a plastic bag and place them in your freezer for a few hours before you go to sleep. By the time you get them back on your bed they will have warmed up a bit so they're nice and cool!

Don’t nap

Last but not least, don't have a nap! The warm weather zaps your energy, so you may feel you want to nap in the day, but we wouldn't recommend it! As tempting as it is, it’s only going to make a hot night even more difficult.

While the summer heat can make it challenging, if you follow these steps, you may be able to beat the heat and fall asleep!