Another heatwave is heading our way, bringing relief to some but misery to those who struggle to sleep when temperatures soar. Our bodies are already worn out from battling the heat throughout the day, and when temperatures barely drop at nightfall, switching off and drifting off becomes a real challenge. The result is a groggy, irritable version of yourself that's not prepared to tackle whatever the day throws at you. When this drags on for several consecutive nights, it can feel utterly relentless.
Sleep Expert's Simple Freezer Trick
But according to sleep experts, there is one straightforward bedtime trick that genuinely works to cool you down 'instantly' when you climb into bed, and it takes just minutes to carry out. Sleep expert Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba's charity partner The Sleep Charity, said: "To fall asleep, our core body temperature needs to drop slightly. During hot, humid nights that natural cooling process becomes much harder, which is why so many people struggle to drift off, wake more often and feel less refreshed the next day."
Social media is full of hacks claiming to keep you and your bedroom cool throughout the night, yet many of these are largely ineffective, and some could even pose a safety risk. However, one method that genuinely works is popping a pillowcase in the freezer before heading to bed.
How to Do It
Lisa said: "Your head and neck are major heat-loss zones, so cooling them can make falling asleep much easier. Rather than freezing the entire pillow, place just the pillowcase in a sealed bag in the fridge for around 20 minutes. You'll get that instant cooling sensation without ending up with a damp pillow later in the night."
Likewise, popping a pair of socks in the freezer shortly before bedtime can also offer some much-needed relief during sweltering nights. Lisa explained: "Your feet are packed with blood vessels close to the skin's surface, making them one of the quickest places for your body to release heat. Pop a clean pair of socks into the fridge for around 30 minutes before bed. The cooling effect is gentle but often enough to help your body switch into sleep mode."
Heatwave Hacks That Don't Work
While there are plenty of brilliant heatwave sleeping tips doing the rounds, one that may be far less effective is having an ice-cold shower before bed. It can prompt your body to retain heat, meaning you could actually end up feeling warmer afterwards. A lukewarm shower is more beneficial as it allows your body temperature to drop naturally as you cool down after stepping out.
Throwing open your windows can also make your home unbearably stuffy if done during the hottest parts of the day, so be sure to only do so early in the morning and late at night.
