From freezing your pillowcase to sleeping on the FLOOR: The 10 things you need to do to get a good night's sleep during a heatwave
- There are a number of ways you can stay cool at night without an air con
- These include sticking your sheets in the freezer or taking an ice pack to bed
- By placing ice in front of a pedestal fan, you can make your own air con
If you find yourself flinging off the sheets in a fit of heat-induced fury at night, you're not alone.
With the mercury expected to creep above 40 degrees across much of Australia this week, any hope of a good night's sleep has long been forgotten.
But there are ways you can stay cool, even if you're not one of the blessed few who have air con at home.
Here Femail has compiled a list of the simple, yet effective, ways you can beat the heat in bed at night, without running up an astronomical electricity bill.
Beat the heat on hot summer nights with these simple tips, including switching your satin sheets for breathable cotton
MAKE YOUR OWN AIR CON
And no, you don't need to be an experienced tradesman to do it.
According to Greatist, you can simply put a shallow dish of ice in front of your pedestal fan.
The air blows over the ice and as it melts, releases a cool mist.
SWAP YOUR SHEETS
Forget silky sheets. And don't even think about flannelette.
Times like these calls for loose cotton linen that is breathable and promotes airflow.
Satin and polyester sheets are also a no go.
Drinking icy water can not only slow your metabolism but your ability to cool off, try having a room temperature glass of water before bed instead
AVOID ICY WATER
Say what?
If the extreme heat has you reaching for iced water, you could be negatively impacting your sleep.
WikiHow reported drinking cold water can slow digestion, which in turn slows your metabolism, constricting blood vessels and your ability cool off.
Stay hydrated with room temperature water instead.
PUT YOUR SHEETS IN THE FREEZER
If you have space between the Zooper Dooper's and Frosty Fruits of course.
Sticking your pillowcase, or even your sheets, in the freezer is a good short-term solution to help you get to sleep as they stay cool just long enough for you to nod off.
It might sound strange, but putting your pillowcase or sheets in the freezer before bed can keep them cool long enough for you to fall asleep comfortably
WEAR LOOSE PYJAMAS
While you might be tempted to go completely nude, this might not be the best option.
WikiHow reported sleeping naked can make you feel hotter as it does not allow moisture to evaporate between your body and the sheets.
Loose fitting cotton fabrics are your best bet.
TAKE A COOL SHOWER
It will help you get your body temperature down before bed, making falling to sleep an easier task.
It also makes you less sticky and sweaty.
Placing an ice pack on your pulse points can keep your body temperature down, try putting it on the backs of your knees
BRING AN ICE PACK TO BED
And place it on your pulse points.
Having a cold compress on your wrists, neck, elbows, ankles, and behind the knees can help you keep cool, according to Greatist.
BRING A DAMP TOWEL
Having a damp washcloth or towel in bed can help you stay cool.
According to Greatist, the 'Egyptian Method' involves dampening a sheet or towel and using it as a blanket.
Make your own air con by placing a tray of ice in front of a pedestal fan
GET LOW
Hot air rises, so it makes sense to keep a low profile, so to speak.
Try moving your mattress to the floor or sleeping in a downstairs room or basement if you have a two-story house.
If you're not adverse to a hard bed, but fed up with the heat, try sleeping on a bamboo mat on the floor to stay cool.
TURN OFF ELECTRONICS
Switch off the lights, turn off your electronics and think cool thoughts.
Lightbulbs, and even your phone, can let off heat.
Switching them off will also keep your electricity bill down.
