As the UK swelters under a heat dome with nighttime temperatures hovering around 25°C, sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee has shared unconventional yet effective methods to help Brits get a good night's rest. The key advice: put a pair of damp cotton socks in the freezer by Friday evening to wear to bed.
Why Freeze Socks?
Dr Deborah Lee, a health specialist from Doctor Fox working with Comfybeds, explains that wearing slightly damp, frozen cotton socks triggers evaporative cooling, which helps lower core body temperature. "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," she said. The process involves rinsing socks under a tap, wringing them out so they're not dripping, and placing them in the freezer for a few hours before bedtime.
Additional Cooling Techniques
Beyond the sock trick, Dr Lee recommends the "Egyptian method": soak a large towel in cool water, wring it out, and hang it in a doorway or bedroom window. As hot air passes through, the towel cools it, mimicking air conditioning without high electricity costs. Another tip is the "cold water bottle" trick: fill a hot water bottle with cold water, freeze for 15 minutes, and place it in bed to cool the sheets before sleeping.
Health Implications of Nighttime Heat
The body requires a drop in core temperature of about 1°C to 1.5°C to initiate and maintain deep sleep. High nighttime temperatures and humidity prevent this natural cooling, leading to restlessness and frequent awakenings. The Met Office has warned of thunderstorms in northern areas while the south and southeast continue to experience oppressive heat.
Dr Lee's advice comes as millions struggle to sleep during the UK's latest heatwave, which has seen daytime highs near 40°C. These simple, low-cost methods offer relief without relying on electric fans or air conditioning.
