How to Sleep When it’s Too Hot

The glorious summer days always come with a downside-hot nights that make it unbearable to sleep. Sleeping when it’s too hot outside without any air conditioner can be quite difficult. Of course it takes longer to fall asleep on a hot night and when you actually do, all the tossing and turning makes it hard to stay asleep. It’s when insomnia kicks in. While air conditioning might be a common solution to hot nights, it jacks up the electrical bills. Fortunately, there are other ways to cool off for the night…

1. Increasing air circulation

This can be done by opening all the windows facing different directions or setting up a fan. Increasing circulation will help you remain cooler as the warn air will carry away excess heat from your warmer body.

2. Get loose

Instead of sleeping nude, which many people believe helps them cool off quickly, wear your lightest pajamas-most preferably those made out of loose, soft cotton.

3. Be a loner

Unfortunately for lovebirds, sleeping alone is one of many ways to stay cool. Cuddling with a partner is without a doubt comfortable but on the downside, it will most definitely increase body heat making it even more uncomfortable sleeping through the night.

4. Stay hydrated

A glass of water a day sure keeps insomnia away! Drink a glass of water before going to bed. Tossing, sweating and turning in bed cause dehydration and increases body heat. However, water has a surprising cooling effect.

5. Take a cold shower

There is nothing more refreshing than a cold shower in the summer heat. It gives a new meaning to cold and clean. It will help you stay surprisingly relaxed and keep the heat away.

6. Go rustic

Trade your very comfortable mattress for a straw or a bamboo mat. Of course, all-natural sleeping surfaces are less comfortable but unlike comfy mattresses, they do not retain a lot of heat.

7. Use Ice

Place a very large container filled with ice in front of your fan. The fan will push the cool air around and this can actually make a big difference.

Other ways to remain cool involve using a cool, damp cloth on your feet and your head as those are the places that mostly affect your body temperature, and building a solar air conditioner, see below.

During the day, keep the windows and shades completely closed. Contrary to what people believe about opening windows, keeping them closed during the day helps in reducing the overall room temperature.

Try these tips and tricks and you will be pleasantly surprised about how easy it is to enjoy sleep, any day, every day.

~Guest Blogger Louisa