Shutting your windows during a heatwave is better for keeping you cool at night, according to sleep experts. It may seem counterintuitive but opening your windows can make your home warmer during the night.
The reason is that keeping your windows open all day lets in warm air, which lingers in your house. When it comes to sleeping at night the hot air is trapped inside and can lead to an uncomfortable night.
The advice was provided by experts at MattressNextDay, which have shared a number of tips on how to get a better night's sleep during a heatwave. They include avoiding spicy food and, somewhat counterintuitively, not sleeping with your bedroom windows open.
How to get to sleep during a heatwave
MattressNextDay has provided a number of tips for sleeping in the heat. Here are their top tips:
- Avoid spicy food
- Change your bed sheets
- Keep windows shut during the day
- Use a smaller pillow
- Wear breathable pyjamas
- Use peppermint spray on your hands and feet
- Take a glass of cold water to bed
- Try meditating
Avoid spicy food
Try to stay away from spicy food. It can cause spikes in your body temperature and sweating. Avoid caffeine and a cooling beer or glass of wine. Caffeine and alcohol have the same effect on your body as spicy food.
Change the bed
Opt for lighter bedding in the warmer months and cooling cotton sheets. Choose a mattress which is good for breathability. A pocket sprung mattress is a good option. The springs allow the air to flow through them and do not trap any heat.
Keep the windows shut
It may sound counterintuitive but keeping your windows shut throughout the day can help. By opening them you are essentially letting hot air in. If you want the air to circulate, you can open your windows in the evening when it starts to cool down.
Smaller pillow
If you love big fluffy pillows, swap them for a smaller one. Large pillows trap heat from your head so opt for something a little more compact.
Breathable PJs
Dress in breathable fabrics when you head to bed. Tight-fitting clothes trap heat so go for something loose.
Peppermint spray
Invest in a peppermint spray for cooling down hot feet. Cooling your feet and hands are the quickest ways to bring down your core temperature.
Cold water
Have a glass of cold water close to hand. If you’re overheating, take a sip or dab it on your wrists to help you cool down.
Breathe
Getting to sleep when it’s hot can be stressful so try a few deep breathing ormeditation techniques. These will regulate your breathing, calm you down and hopefully help you drop off to sleep.
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