TV doctor Amir Khan has shared practical advice for sleeping better during hot weather, including a surprisingly simple trick: freeze a pair of socks and put them on before bed.
Freeze Your Socks for a Cooler Night
Speaking on the Lorraine show last year, Dr Khan explained that a fan and a pair of socks can help combat the heat without the expense of air conditioning. He recommended placing a bowl of ice or frozen peas under a fan to cool the air, creating a makeshift air conditioning system.
His second tip involves putting socks in a plastic Ziploc bag and freezing them for an hour before bed. "Put those socks on before you get into bed. It will cool your body down, and you'll have a much better night's sleep tonight," he said.
NHS Advice for Hot Weather
The NHS website offers additional guidance for coping with high temperatures. It advises staying out of the heat, especially between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen and light clothes, and avoiding strenuous activity. Keeping living spaces cool by closing windows and curtains during the day and opening them at night is also recommended.
Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees, and it's important to check on people at higher risk from the heat. For symptoms of heat exhaustion that are difficult to treat, the NHS advises calling 111 for advice.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Most healthy adults aged 18 to 64 need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. The optimal amount varies from person to person, so waking up feeling refreshed is a good indicator of adequate rest.
The NHS Every Mind Matters page notes that sleep problems are common and can be caused by illness, work, or having a baby. If lack of sleep starts to affect daily life, it may be worth consulting a GP for guidance.
