As the UK braces for temperatures up to 30°C this weekend, sleep experts have revealed unconventional methods to help people sleep in the heat, including an ancient Egyptian technique. Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox explains that the body needs a drop in core temperature to fall asleep, which becomes difficult during hot weather.
The Egyptian method involves soaking a large towel in cool water, wringing it out, and hanging it in a doorway or bedroom window. As hot air passes through, the towel cools it down, functioning like a low-cost air conditioner. Dr Lee notes that while it won't drastically lower the temperature, it can make enough difference to help you drift off.
Other tips include filling a hot water bottle with cold water and freezing it for 15 minutes before placing it in bed, wearing damp cotton socks to promote evaporative cooling, and keeping curtains and windows closed during the day to block out heat. Dr Lee also advises taking a lukewarm shower 90 minutes before bed to kickstart the body's natural temperature drop, warning that cold showers can be counterproductive.
