As the UK braces for one of its longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976, sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock has shared a simple, free kitchen item that can help cool your bedroom at night. With tropical nights expected—where temperatures remain above 20°C—Britons are seeking effective ways to achieve restful sleep.
How Ice Cubes Can Cool Your Room
Dr Bostock, known as The Sleep Scientist, explains that deep sleep requires the body to cool by approximately 1°C. This is normally achieved by increasing blood circulation to the skin, releasing heat energy. However, when surroundings are too warm, the body releases less heat, disrupting temperature control.
To combat this, Dr Bostock recommends a common kitchen staple: ice cubes. In an exclusive interview with Reach PLC, she said: "Sweating is important - it is our body's way of trying to cool down. Having a flow of air over the body is going to evaporate sweat. If you're worried about just circulating hot air around your room, place ice cubes in a bowl in front of an electric fan - you might get a cooling water vapour pushed over you."
Practical Steps for Maximum Cooling
For the vast majority of UK households without air conditioning, this offers a practical temporary solution. Experts suggest freezing two litres of water in a large bowl, optionally adding three tablespoons of salt to lower the freezing point. Place the ice block in a metal mixing bowl, position it 15–20 cm in front of the fan blades, and angle the fan upward so the cooled air drifts over you.
This method typically provides a pleasant breeze for two to three hours—enough time to fall asleep on a hot night.
Heatwave Warnings and Duration
Amber alerts from the UK Health Security Agency are in place across parts of England until 9 pm on Sunday, July 12. Temperatures may reach 36°C in southern England. Tropical nights are possible, especially in urban areas towards the end of the week, with peak heat expected on Friday. While records set in May and June are unlikely to be broken, this heatwave could rank among the longest since 1976. Over the next fortnight, parts of southern England may see daily highs of 27–28°C, meeting the official heatwave threshold, with some areas affected for up to two weeks.
