Summer is here with a vengeance and getting a good night’s sleep is become increasingly difficult. But just because it’s hot outside it does not mean that you have to spend your nights sweating in the heat. According to sleep expert Nerina Ramlakhan says ‘there needs to be a fractional temperature difference between our body and our brain – a warm body and a cool head. When the outdoor temperature rises this becomes more difficult but there are plenty of things you can do to beat the heat.’
So, to help you get some much needed shut eye, here are some extremely useful tips to keep yourself cool this summer:
Tip #1: Keep a plant mister containing water by your bed to spray on your face during the night.
Tip # 2: A good way to stay cool at night is to prevent your bedroom from overheating during the day. Try keeping your curtains and blinds closed to help keep the room cool.
Tip # 3: Wash your feet with cold water before getting into bed, and/or run your wrists under cold water.
Tip # 4:Place a wet flannel in the fridge for an hour or so before getting into bed and lay it on your forehead to help you drift off to sleep.
Tip # 5: Sleep in cool wet socks or even a damp T-shirt.
Tip # 6: Use light bed sheets that will help you stay cool at night.
Tip # 7: Stay well hydrated during the day.
Tip # 8: Don’t fret too much if you can’t sleep. Use the time to rest and think positive thoughts. This will not only help you fall asleep eventually, but it will also make you extra productive the next day.
Tip #9: If you have windows with grills or mesh, wet a thick cloth with cold water and hang it on the window. This will cool the hot air entering the room, helping the temperature drop within the room.
Tip #10: You could also pour or swab the floor of the room with cold water to help lower the temperature within.
Finally, remember that going from extremely hot weather into a cold room is bad for your health, so make sure you allow your body to slowly cool down and acclimatize to the temperature.
Source: The Health site
Dr. Nadira Mehriban
Assistant Professor
Department of Public Health
