Summer’s almost here, the screens in the windows and I’m loving enjoying the fresh air blowing through the house. But when the temperature skyrocketed from 40 to 80 degrees in two days and I realized I’d forgotten about how warm weather can affect sleep. It’s harder to fall asleep and harder to stay asleep.
Here are practical suggestions I found in an article from The National Sleep Foundation:
- Prevent excess heat from building up in in your home. Close curtains or blinds to keep the heat of the sun out. Keep the windows closed if it’s hotter outside than in and open them at night if it is cooler outside than inside.
- Heat rises. If you live in a multi-floor house, sleep on a lower level.
- If there’s no way to cool your environment to a bearable level, ask a friend or relative if you can stay with them for a few days.
- Do not sleep in a vehicle with the engine running to feel the air conditioning. This is dangerous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
- Take a cool shower or bath before bed.
- Wear light bedclothes or no clothes at all. Consider wearing materials that wick away sweat.
- Use a fan to circulate the air.
- Consider buying a small air conditioning unit for the room you sleep in.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid getting sunburned. Limit the amount of time in the sun and always wearing sunscreen.
Photo by sleepyneko
Recommendations from other experts:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Freeze a damp washcloth to use as a cool compress
- If showering before bed try leaving your hair wet
What else have you tried to stay cool and sleep well in warm temperatures? The only other thing I can think of is to slow down and relax before bed. If you are busy and bustling about the house, your heart rate will stay up and keep your body hot. Instead, sit and read. Do something more leisurely to allow your body’s temperature to drop naturally. Enjoy these beautiful, warm days, but don’t forget to plan for a cool night’s sleep!
By Emily S.
{ 0 comments… add one now }