From carefully placed fans to thin bedding, many Brits have taken measures to try and stay cool overnight during the UK heatwave. But if you really want a good night's sleep, experts have a more drastic solution.
Damp Socks: A Surprising Remedy
Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee claims Brits should sleep in damp socks. 'This is an extremely strange one, but definitely hear me out,' she said. 'Wearing a pair of slightly damp cotton socks to bed can help us bring our core body temperature down through a process called evaporative cooling. Our feet play a huge part in helping our body's temperature regulate, so keeping them cool is vital and has a knock on effect on the whole body. Rinse the socks out under the tap, wring them up so they're not dripping and pop them on before bedtime.'
As temperatures in parts of the UK hit 35°C, Dr Lee, sleep expert from Doctor Fox working with Comfybedss, has revealed her top tips to sleep in the heat.
Cold Water Bottle Trick
Aside from wearing damp socks, the expert also suggests trying the 'cold water bottle' trick. 'Fill your hot water bottle up with cold water and put it in the freezer for around 15 minutes before bed, and you'll be getting into bed with cool linen rather than a dreaded heat trap,' she explained. 'It's a simple swap that makes a genuinely big difference.'
Warm Shower Over Cold
While you might be tempted to hop in a cold shower, Dr Lee suggests it's better to opt for warm water. She said: 'Shower before bed, but around an hour and a half before bed rather than just before. A lukewarm shower will help kickstart the natural temperature drop that your body needs to fall asleep. Many people think a cold shower before bed is the key, but this can actually be counterproductive, causing your body to work harder to warm back up again.'
The Egyptian Method
Alternatively, you can try a technique that has been used for centuries, which Dr Lee calls the 'Egyptian method'. She explained: 'This one has been used for centuries, and there's a good reason people are still doing this today. The Egyptian method involves soaking a large towel in cool water, wringing it out and then hanging it either in your doorway or your bedroom window. As the hot air passes through, the cold towel will change this to cold air, working in a similar way that air conditioning works but without the hefty electricity bill. It won't drop the temperature a lot, but it'll make enough of a difference to your body that it'll finally drift off.'
So, would you try it?
