Whilst Brits have been waiting for what seems like forever for a spot of sunshine, this weekend’s scorching temperatures might make it difficult to get some much-needed sleep. Luckily, there is a simple solution to help you nod off
If you’re struggling to nod off in this sweltering weather, an expert’s simple hack will help you get some much-needed Zzzs.
It appears the dreary winter of rain, snow, and more rain has finally met its demise, making way for the glorious sun to return. In fact, parts of the UK are slated to reach a staggering 26C – as the nation faces its first mini heatwave of the year.
And whilst a spot of sunshine is always welcomed amongst Brits desperate to spend the evening in a beer garden or lounger, trying to sleep in a stuffy hot room can be a nightmare.
Ahsley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom warns taking a ‘cool or lukewarm’ shower, whilst tempting, won’t actually help you sleep or leave you feeling relaxed. In fact, cold showers ‘may keep you energised for longer’ and won’t actually cool you down properly.
“Taking a warm or hot shower will help your body cool down more quickly, as you release more body heat through your extremities such as your hands and feet, which helps lower your core body temperature and make it easier to fall asleep,” the expert added. “A bath may also be the perfect remedy after a long, hot day as it can cool you down and relax you.”
Hainsworth added that a nighttime shower is also a great way to wash away any ‘sweat and oil’ from the day as well as pollen. This will not only help you ‘sleep better’ but also fight off those pesky hay fever symptoms.
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If you or the little ones are still feeling stifling hot after a cool shower, the bedding expert recommends keeping your windows open overnight. “Be cautious of any additional noise issues or security concerns that this might result in, and make sure you employ any necessary preventative measures to deal with potential allergens and insects coming inside,” he added.
To prevent creepy crawlies from infesting your bedroom, make sure you turn all the lights off when the sun goes to sleep – and take an antihistamine if you’re worried the fresh air will flare up your hay fever. “If it’s very hot outside, shutting windows altogether may be a better option as it will be cooler indoors,” the expert advised. “If you decide to keep your windows shut, try opening doors intermittently so that the room is as well-ventilated as possible and doesn’t become stuffy.”
There are a bunch of other simple hacks to keep cool at night, such as swapping your winter bedding for a lighter alternative, sleeping in breathable PJs and using a frozen water bottle or ice packs in front of a fan. This will help cool the air down as it passes over, giving you the effect of a mini Air Con unit.
What’s your top hack to beat the hot weather? Let us know in the comments section below
