With reports of a 26°C heatwave expected to hit the UK in the coming days, it’s no surprise to see that UK Google searches for “how to sleep in hot weather” have increased by more than 5,000% in the last 30 days.
While the warmer weather is a much welcomed arrival for much of the country, there’s no denying that when it comes to our sleep, heatwaves can cause havoc. With this in mind, experts from luxury bed retailer Comodo Living, have revealed four quick and easy tricks to help keep your bedroom cool during the summer.
Blocking out the sun during the day
One of the simplest ways to keep your bedroom cool at night is to keep your curtains and blinds shut during the day. This helps block the sun’s heat from coming through the windows, keeping hot air out and cool air in. Black out curtains and blinds are particularly good at keeping the heat out of your bedroom and can help to improve sleep quality by limiting the amount of light you’re exposed to.
In the evening and early morning, open them back up to allow cooler air to filter into your bedroom.
Chill your pillowcases before getting into bed
If you’re finding it difficult to cope with that intense heat the moment your head hits the pillow, the experts recommend trying this quick and easy trick.
Place your pillowcases in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before getting into bed. Although they might not stay cold all night, that initial cooling sensation can help lower your body temperature, making it easier to relax and drift off to sleep. On particularly hot days, this can also work for your duvet cover or bed sheet.
To keep your pillowcases clean and free from smells in your freezer, pop them into a clean plastic bag before placing them in the freezer. When you’re ready for bed, simply slip them back onto your pillows for an instant cool-down that can soothe overheating and prevent restlessness as you settle in.
Opt for cotton or linen bedding
The experts at Comodo Living say that natural materials such as cotton and linen are excellent choices for keeping your bedroom cool during the summer months. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and moisture, these breathable alternatives allow air to circulate freely through the fibres.
Keep the bedroom door open
While it might seem obvious, don’t underestimate the impact that keeping your door open can have on the temperature inside your bedroom. Even better yet, create a flow of air through cross-ventilation by opening a window on the opposite side of the room. This method allows cool air to enter the space while hot air is pushed out.
Just remember to close the windows before the temperature rises during the day to keep the heat out and maintain a cooler environment inside.