As the UK braces for another sweltering heatwave, many are seeking ways to stay cool at night. One simple morning routine, taking just 10 minutes, can make a significant difference. Vita Molyneux, a travel reporter, shares her daily habit that keeps her bed feeling fresh and clean, even in sticky summer conditions.
The Morning Routine
Upon waking, Molyneux immediately throws back all the bed covers and opens a window. This allows the mattress and bedding to air out after a hot, humid night. She leaves the covers pulled back while she completes her morning tasks—brushing teeth, washing her face, and making coffee. After about 10 minutes, she returns to her bedroom.
Next, she sprinkles a few drops of pure lavender essential oil onto the bottom sheet and pillows. This infuses the bedding with a calming scent, creating a relaxing sleep environment. For those new to this practice, Molyneux recommends starting with a pre-made pillow spray containing lavender to avoid potential skin or eye irritation from undiluted oil.
Benefits of Airing Bedding
Airing out the bed daily helps reduce moisture and heat buildup, making the bed feel cooler and fresher by nightfall. Molyneux notes that her bedroom gets morning sun, which further freshens the linens. She has used lavender since childhood to relax, and adding it to her sheets transforms her bed into a calming oasis during London summers.
Additional Tips for Hot Nights
Molyneux also relies on a fan and a frozen bottle of water to stay cool at night. However, she credits this morning habit as the key to drifting off easily when temperatures soar. The routine is simple, takes minimal time, and can be adapted to individual preferences.
