15 Tips To Help You Sleep Better During The Summer Nights

We're a funny bunch, us Brits. If we're not complaining about the lack of a summer, we're moaning that it's too hot.

In fairness, while the weather of late has produced some blistering temperatures, it does present a number of difficulties. One of the biggest problems people have faced is sleep. Just how do you get a good night's rest when it's so humid and warm?

Well, aside from pitching up a tent in your back garden as part of a drastic plan to escape the furnace that is your bedroom, there are a few steps you could try to make things more comfortable at night.

Beds are often our favourite places to relax, but in the summer months they can be unbearable. Follow our tips to keep your bedroom in comfortable condition throughout the hottest part of the year.

1. Cold Sheets

You might feel like you're on a hiding to nothing if you get into your bed to find your sheets instantly make you even warmer. Try placing your sheets in a plastic bag, and put them in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed. The nice cold sheets may keep you cool enough to nod off effectively.

2.Lukewarm Shower

If you're really hot before you go to bed, you could try taking a lukewarm shower to refresh yourself and bring your temperature gently down to a more suitable level for sleeping. Don't go for a completely cold shower though, as that can cause temperature problems later as you try to fall asleep.

3. Create A Draught

In the winter, you're probably desperately trying to stop any cold air getting in. In the summer, opening a window or having the bedroom door open (or both) can create a flow of air that keeps you cooler, rather than the stillness of a sultry night with no breeze.

4. Air Conditioning (Or A Fan)

If you really struggle, an air conditioning unit can help to bring the room to a more comfortable temperature. If you can afford it, it's a luxury worth investing in as you pursue the perfect summer night's sleep. But such units can be expensive, and a trusty fan can prove to be a useful alternative by providing an artificial breeze.

5. Loose Clothing

Some experts suggest that completely shunning all sleep wear is a no-no, because fabrics can help to remove the sweat away from your body. Wearing something loose, light and comfortable is a good choice to prevent you from overheating.

6. Sleep Alone

If you sleep with a spouse or partner, you might know how frustrating it can be, particularly in the summer months. If you're both warm you can become restless and keep one another awake with constant tossing and turning. Two bodies in the bed can also make things exceptionally warm, so you could try sleeping in separate beds. If you don't have the space, a mattress with additional support to prevent you rolling together and disturbing one another may be a shrewd investment.

7. Keep Hydrated

When you're warm, your body loses fluids through sweat. You may find that you wake up extremely thirsty, so it's a good idea to keep a glass of water beside you as you sleep, just in case. Try also to drink some water before you go to bed, to prepare your body properly.

8. Avoid Alcohol

Okay, you may not be teetotal, and the summer is a time when people tend to drink a bit more than usual. But remember to drink responsibly, and not consume too much alcohol before bed. Alcohol can cause dehydration and also slows your body's processes down, one of which is its ability to regulate temperature. Too much alcohol can leave you feeling hot and bothered well into the night.

9. Don't Sleep On A Full Stomach

If you eat too close to bed time, your body will still be attempting to digest the food as you try to sleep. Not only can this cause discomfort, it also means that your body is working harder than it should be at that time, and can cause your temperature to rise.

10. Remove Layers

If you're really hot, try removing some layers of bedding. Use a thinner duvet, or get rid all together, replacing it with a sheet. Cotton sheets are better than satin or nylon alternatives, because the cotton apparently helps the body to remove sweat.

11. Cold Water On The Pulse Points

Cool yourself down by applying cold water to the pulse points on your wrists. You can also splash some cool water over your face and temples to achieve the same effect; refreshing and cooling!

12. Go To Bed Later

While it's always good to stick to a set bed time routine, it might be worth reworking it a little for the summer months. Try to go to bed after dark, when the temperature will have hopefully dropped to something a little more comfortable. This is much more effective than battling with the heat before dusk as you try to drift off.

13. Turn Electricals Off

Using electronic gadgets before bed is generally not advised, as it can stop the body from preparing for sleep. But another by-product of electricals in the bedroom is the heat given off by them. Even in standby mode, they can contribute to the temperature of a room, so turn them off at the socket well before bed time.

14. Keep Curtains Closed

Morbid? Maybe. Sensible? Definitely. Keeping your bedroom curtains closed during the day can really help to reduce the temperature within. If you have blackout blinds or curtains, that's even better. The less sunlight that can penetrate your windows, the cooler and more comfortable your bedroom will be when it comes to bed time.

15. Hot Water Bottle

Bear with us... A hot water bottle can be your friend, even in the summer. Instead of hot water, try filling it with ice and leaving it in the bed for a while before you hit the hay. Once you come to sleep, you can use the bottle to cool down your ankles and the backs of your knees, which can make you feel more comfortable.

If you're struggling for sleep during these hot, sticky summer nights, try some of these tips to help. What are your ideas for sleeping in the heat?