A sleep expert has revealed that stretching out like a starfish could be the key to staying cool during summer nights. Sleep consultant Dr Allie Hare suggests that adopting this pose could help Brits cope with the muggy conditions sweeping across parts of the UK after dark.
Nighttime Temperatures Across the UK
Overnight temperatures throughout the UK are fairly mild right now, ranging from 12°C to 19°C depending on the area. With high pressure building and warmer air moving in, evenings in the southeast are set to feel particularly oppressive, occasionally hitting up to 20°C in some of the warmest spots.
Because UK homes are built to hold onto heat rather than lose it, soaring night-time temperatures leave millions of Brits tossing and turning in unbearable conditions. Sharing her top bedroom advice with specialists at Emma Sleep, Dr Hare claims that how you lie in bed might help reduce some of the struggle.
Expert Advice on Sleep Positions
She said: "Overheating during sleep can significantly reduce sleep quality and duration. In particular, being too hot at night can reduce slow wave (deep) sleep, the stage of sleep that helps us awaken feeling rested. When you are finally in bed, and it's time to go to sleep, your sleep position can make a big difference. Sleeping in a starfish position may help increase air circulation around your body, aiding a restful night's sleep."
For those sharing a bed where there isn't enough space for both partners to 'starfish', experts recommend sleeping on your side as the next best alternative. Dr Hare said that this position "will increase the heat released from your back, helping you feel cooler."
Additional Cooling Strategies
The sleep specialist offered further cooling strategies, including one daytime habit worth adopting. She said: "Hydration plays a massive role in your body's temperature regulation. Make sure to drink enough water during the day to help your body manage any excess heat more effectively at night. Drinking throughout the day will also help avoid the need for large amounts of water right before bed, which can significantly impact your sleep quality."
More Top Tips for Sleeping Better in the Heat
A straightforward bedtime routine can sometimes make all the difference on a sweltering night. Dr Hare recommends winding down with a shower before heading to bed, describing it as a "helpful way to support the body's natural cooling process." She said: "A lukewarm (not cold!) shower an hour or so before bed can help keep you cool because it causes dilation of the blood vessels in your skin so that when you get out of the shower, you can lose heat more effectively."
Another handy cooling trick is to lightly dampen a pair of socks and pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before turning in. Dr Hare said: "Your feet are heat regulators. So, when you put the socks back on, they help your body feel cooler while you are trying to get to sleep."
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to keep cool throughout the night is to choose breathable, natural fabrics. Ditch heavier, synthetic bedding in favour of cotton or bamboo options to boost airflow and ease that stuffy sensation so commonly felt during the warmer months.
