A property specialist has outlined several methods for residents to keep their homes cooler during periods of extreme heat, including keeping a specific door open overnight to improve sleep quality. The guidance arrives as the Met Office has issued an Amber Extreme Heat warning, predicting temperatures could reach as high as 37°C in some areas.
The warning will be active for most of Thursday (August 13) and affects regions in southern and eastern England, along with parts of the Midlands. For Thursday, the Met Office said: "Very warm becoming hot or very hot across much of England and Wales. Chance of an isolated evening shower in the northeast. Heavier showers for Northern Ireland and Scotland later."
Met Office warning details
Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some, which is why a Met Office warning has been issued.
"High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day. Southerly and southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK."
The blistering daytime temperatures will result in warm, sticky nights for millions nationwide. Getting adequate rest in hot weather is challenging for many people, and not everyone finds using a fan comfortable.
Loft hatch advice
Thankfully, there are various measures householders can implement to remain comfortable in their sleeping quarters, as warm air naturally rises, rendering upper-floor rooms especially uncomfortable after dark. Oliver Novakovic, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Redrow, has offered advice on keeping homes cooler during the summer months.
One suggestion he puts forward is to leave a particular door open overnight to allow trapped warm air to dissipate - and it's neither the front nor back entrance. He said: "Lift the loft hatch. As the hot air rises in your home, it can often get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep.
"Opening the loft hatch during the day can allow the air to rise further and away from your bedroom. If you have a fire-rated loft hatch, remember to close it again at night."
Raising your loft hatch in the evening can help reduce your bedroom temperature, provided the external air and loft space have also cooled. Because warm air naturally rises, opening the hatch allows accumulated heat to disperse, especially when you also slightly open a window to enhance circulation.
That said, the effectiveness can differ. On Mumsnet, multiple users report that their bedrooms become noticeably cooler when they employ the hatch to release warm air.
Conversely, some Reddit users warn that if your loft is exceptionally warm or lacks adequate ventilation, opening the hatch could potentially allow stored heat to drift back down into your upper-floor rooms.
Why is it hard to sleep in hot weather?
Sleeping can be tough when it's hot outside, since your body has to lower its core temperature to enter and maintain deep sleep. When the temperature is high, it makes it hard for your body to cool down, messing with your internal thermostat, reducing deep sleep stages, and leading to frequent waking.
At night, your body automatically lowers its core temperature by allowing heat to radiate through your skin. If the room is too warm, this heat transfer is hindered. For deep sleep and REM sleep, it's important to maintain a stable temperature. If you get too hot, your brain will wake you up to keep your body safe.
When humidity is high, sweat can't evaporate properly. This makes your skin feel sticky and stops your body from cooling down naturally.
How to stay cool at night during a heatwave
- Swap heavy duvets for thin cotton or linen sheets.
- Light cotton sleepwear helps absorb sweat better than sleeping naked.
- Keep blinds closed during the day, then open windows at night to create a breeze.
- Heat rises, so you might want to consider sleeping on a lower level of your home.
- Make sure all electrical items are turned off to avoid extra heat.
- Have a lukewarm or cool shower before bed.
- Wear cold socks.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening.
- Drink a glass of cold water before bed and keep one close during the night.
Why is lack of sleep a problem?
According to the NHS, an adult usually needs between seven and nine hours of sleep a night; however, this will change depending on age, health and personal circumstances. Teenagers, children and babies need more sleep than others. Lack of sleep, even for one night, can impact your health and may negatively affect your:
- immune system
- alertness and reaction times
- attention
- cognitive ability
- mood changes and irritability
- anxiety and depression
- quality of life and social activity
