Strategies to Maintain Bed Coolness During Summer, as Suggested by Sleep Specialists
Sleepless nights due to sweltering heat? Here's the lowdown on keeping those bed temps in check during the hottest months. Whether you're ac-less or sweltering beneath your covers, these six simple tactics will turn your bedroom into a cool retreat - no magic required.
💧 CHILL OUT WITH A COLD WATER BOTTLE
Stuck in a sweaty mess come nighttime? Pop that hot water bottle on ice to score better shut-eye. Warns Dr. Hana Patel, a sleep expert at Time4Sleep: "Fill it with icy water, but don't freeze it to avoid damaging the bottle. Leave it on your bed for an hour before bedtime." Remember to remove it before snoozing as direct contact can cause discomfort.
🧤 FREEZE YOUR SHEETS
Ever found yourself venturing down the most unconventional paths while seeking ways to cool down? Well, you're not alone. Freezing your sheets could be one such path! Stash them in a reusable plastic bag for 30 minutes in the freezer, just watch out for them not actually freezing. Dr. Patel cautions that leaving them on the bed while frozen might lead to discomfort and potential skin damage.
🛏️ UPGRADE TO TEMPERATURE-REGULATING BEDDING
Embrace a dreamier, cooler snooze with some sleep essentials tailored for warm weather. Ditch those heavy sheets and opt for lighter materials ahead of the heatwave. As Dr. Patel recommends, "A temperature-regulating mattress and breathable bedding materials can help combat overheating while promoting a deeper sleep." Revamp your collection with linen, bamboo, or low-maintenance breathable sheets that help your body regulate temperature more efficiently.
🐛 WOOLLY WARMTH
Seems counterintuitive, right? A wooly bed can keep you cool! This one might catch you by surprise. Investing in a good-quality wool mattress topper or protector will add an extra layer of comfort while facilitating temperature regulation. Sleep expert Laura Burnett from Feather & Black says, "A wool mattress topper is highly effective at regulating body temperature and supporting your sleep." Can't get enough cool goodness? Our home team loves the Woolroom's wool mattress topper, praised for its temperature-regulating prowess.
🛏️ COOLING MATTRESSES
Ready to ditch that warm, uncomfortable mattress for one that offers excellent breathability and regulation? This transformation could be a game-changer for those scorching nights. As Rebecca Mayes, a sleep expert at Harrison Spinks, explains, "Cooling mattresses can make a huge difference by helping you maintain a decreased body temperature and promoting a more restful sleep cycle." To score a cooling mattress, look for high-breathability fibers and wool filling options to ensure your mattress will work its magic during the summer months.
🌈 CHOOSE YOUR BEDDING COLORS
Let's face it – darker bedsheets will soak up the sun's heat, leading to a less enjoyable sleep in the summer. Feeling the heat? Lighter colors like white and beige can help keep you cooler as they better reflect the sunlight. Dr. Patel explains: "Lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight, minimizing overheating during the day and night."
OTHER TIPS
Need more ideas to stay cool during the summer? Check out these strategies to quickly cool down your bed:
Don't have a fan? No worries, get creative! Use fans in strategic placements to maximize airflow and create a cooler environment. Stephany Aubrey, sleep and brand specialist at Zinus, recommends locating which direction the outside wind is blowing and opening a window on the side that allows it to come straight in. Then, open a window on the opposite side of the room to help stagnant hot air escape. Additionally, draw your shades and blinds a couple of hours before bedtime to help cool down your bedroom.
Finding that cooling bed sheets really work? To gain the most benefit, go for natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo as they're known for being breathable and moisture-wicking.
Staying cool in the summer doesn't have to be a sweaty affair. By embracing these tips and tricks, you can look forward to a cozy, inviting sleep sanctuary year-round. And, of course, keeping up with good sleep hygiene practices is always essential, regardless of the season. Sweet dreams!
- To ensure better sleep during hot summer nights, consider freezing your bed sheets for 30 minutes before sleeping, but be mindful not to leave them frozen on the bed to avoid discomfort and potential skin damage.
- Invest in temperature-regulating bedding such as lighter materials or a wool mattress topper to help promote deeper sleep and combat overheating.
- For a more permanent solution, consider purchasing a cooling mattress with high-breathability fibers and wool filling options to maintain a decreased body temperature during sleep on those scorching nights.
- When choosing bedding colors, opt for lighter shades like white and beige, as they reflect sunlight better and minimize overheating during the day and night.
- To enhance airflow and create a cooler environment in your bedroom, minimize the use of darker colors, use fans strategically, and open windows on opposite sides while drawing shades and blinds a couple of hours before bedtime.
