Ready for the heatwave?
As someone who recently moved to the West Coast, I was prepared to deal with more warm, sunny days than I had experienced before. I was NOT prepared for the heat at night, and I know I am not the only one struggling to beat the heat. It’s time to get ahead of the curve by learning a few easy tricks to fall asleep in hot weather, especially if you don’t want to run your A/C all night long. Experts agree there are several basic steps you can take to cool yourself down and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Cotton for Comfort
For starters, make sure you have cotton sheets, as polyester and other materials are more likely to trap heat within your bedding. Cotton allows for some ventilation and circulation of air, and sheets with a high thread count like ours are soft and long-lasting, making them a great long term investment for future heat waves. Make sure you keep your bedroom window blinds closed, and consider getting blackout shades to prevent light (and therefore heat) from invading your room. And it is never a bad idea to purchase a good, sturdy fan for your bedroom.
Stay hydrated during the day
It might seem obvious, but make sure you are drinking lots of water throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate your core temperature and a glass of cold water is a quick and healthy way to cool down. If the idea of a cold shower before bed seems too extreme, consider doing a 10 minute foot bath in cool water instead.
Bring an ice pack to bed
But what about when you are actually in bed, but too hot to fall asleep? If you’re desperate, try placing an ice pack under your pillow. That way you can flip your pillow throughout the night and have a cool side to sleep on when one side gets too hot. You also will be able to easily grab the ice pack to put against your face, neck, or wrist when your body gets too hot. If you don’t have an ice pack at home, don’t give up yet! You can make your own ice pack at home without too much trouble.
A similar trick is to soak a wristband or scrunchie in ice water, and wear it on your wrist. Keeping a spray bottle of water near your bed that can be used on your pillow, face, or to remoisten your scrunchie is very useful.
Soak the incoming breeze
If you’re relying on an open window rather than a fan or AC, you can try hanging a lightweight wet towel or sheet over your window to create a cool breeze. Avoid using overhead lights or stoves that give off heat, as this can cause rooms to quickly become warmer. It can also never hurt to wear lightweight pajamas when it’s hot out!
Choose gel memory foam
Ask Custom Mattress Factory about cooling gel memory foam. We'll help you design a cool, comfortable, custom mattress to suit your needs. If you live in a warmer climate, this topping material does not retain heat, making it a good choice for those who need help staying cool at night. We want to make sure you are getting the best sleep possible, no matter how hot it is outside.
Be prepared for the summer’s heat before it hits this year by making your bedroom into the cool sanctuary you deserve. Cotton, ice, and a cooling, comfortable mattress are all musts!