The peak of the Australian summer can be hot. Really hot. And that heat makes sleep a very difficult thing to achieve. This heat-induced sleeplessness can lead to excessive daytime tiredness, irritability and lack of concentration, all in all resulting in a pretty rotten time.But good sleep in the summer is not an impossibility.
If you can relate to any of the above, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of 8 tips that will hopefully help you sleep well when summer’s trying its best to stop you.1: Take a ShowerHaving a shower, especially cool or lukewarm, before bed, can help reduce the temperature of your skin and cool you down.2. Remove Unnecessary ClothingYou don’t need to sleep in a full set of PJs to get a good night’s rest. Especially when it’s hot out. If you’ve got to sleep in nothing at all, go for it! 3. Avoid Excessive ActivityBeing too active on a hot day can create excessive heat build-up, especially if you do so close to bedtime. If you want to exercise, do so several hours before going to bed.4. Use Fans with VentilationIf you’re sleeping with a fan on, make sure you have a window and door open to allow for fresh air and adequate air flow in the bedroom. Some people even recommend putting a tray of ice cubes in front of the fan to cool down the airflow.
5. Ditch the DoonaA lot of people prefer the comfortable weight of a doona when lying in bed, but if that comfortable weight comes at the cost of overheating, maybe opt for a sheet. (Protip: leave your feet out of the sheet as heat will escape through them.)6. Drink Plenty of WaterThis is good advice for summer in general, but it will also help keep your body hydrated and cool when falling asleep. Keep a glass of water on the bedside table if need be.7. PrepareIf you know it’s going to be a hot night, keep the blinds and windows closed to keep the house as cool as possible. It will make a big difference.8. Ask a FriendSleep is important. If you’re really unable to get your sleeping environment cool enough to get a restful sleep, then ask a friend or relative you know has air conditioning or a cool house to sleep at their place for a night or two. They’ll understand.
While we certainly haven’t reached the peak of summer yet, it’s good to be prepared. Know how to maximise your sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed, energised and ready to face the day.
Even in the summer.Sleep Well – Live Well
–Sources:https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Sleeping-in-very-hot-weatherhttps://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleeping-when-it-blistering-hot
