Sleep expert James Wilson, known as The Sleep Geek, has urged Brits not to freeze their pyjamas to cool down during the ongoing heatwave, warning the hack could actually make sleepers warmer. Speaking to the Mirror, Wilson explained that adding moisture from frozen pyjamas or wet socks to the sleep environment can backfire, as the moisture heats up during the night, disrupting sleep cycles.
Why the Freezer Hack Fails
Wilson stated: "These approaches will add more moisture to your sleep environment and that moisture will heat up during the night. This means that although it may cool you down as you go to bed, during the night this moisture will heat up and is likely to wake you as you come out of your sleep cycle." He recommended a lukewarm bath or shower instead, or placing lukewarm water in a hot water bottle and resting the soles of your feet on it.
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The warning follows a week of extreme temperatures across the UK. On Thursday, a new June record high was set for the second consecutive day, with temperatures exceeding 36°C. London Ambulance Service reported its highest number of life-threatening emergencies on Wednesday, attributed to the extreme heat. Doctors described "awful conditions" in NHS facilities during the heatwave.
Widespread Disruptions
Schools and nurseries closed, a hosepipe ban was implemented in Kent due to surging demand, transport services were disrupted, and one rail operator advised against travel to beaches because of the extreme heat. The Met Office forecast cooler weather for the coming week, with temperatures near average in the north and slightly warmer in the south, but not as hot as the recent peak.
