As the UK faces its fifth heatwave of the summer, millions are finding it increasingly difficult to get a decent night's sleep. There are few things more frustrating than lying in bed, overheated and uncomfortable, desperately trying to nod off.
Feeling hot and clammy while tossing and turning is all too familiar for many. Electric fans are a popular choice for cooling bedroom air, but they can be noisy, expensive to run, and tend to circulate dust and pollen, leaving rooms feeling even more stifling.
Simple Towel Alternative
Fortunately, there is an alternative method to cool your bedroom without resorting to a fan. In fact, all you need is a bathroom towel.
The Clever Hacks YouTube channel suggested placing a damp towel by bedroom windows overnight, claiming it has "helped them a lot" during periods of hot weather.
How the Trick Works
They suggested hanging your wet towel on a window during the evening. "The moisture will make the room noticeably cooler right away," they said.
Windows can absorb a considerable amount of heat throughout the day, particularly when temperatures soar. The air surrounding the window also warms up and becomes trapped inside the room. Once you close your curtains at night, this warm air becomes sealed within.
The damp towel works by drawing in the hot air, allowing the water to evaporate and cool the air before it circulates through your home, ultimately helping you achieve a far more restful night's sleep.
Step-by-Step Guide
Fill a sink or bowl with cold water and lightly dampen your towel. Wring the towel out so it's not dripping wet. Air will have difficulty flowing through the towel if it's overly wet.
Bring your dampened towel to an open window. Either drape it in front of the window like a curtain, or lay it across your windowsill. Even without wind, the towel will continue to lower the temperature. Alternatively, you could position a damp towel across a doorway.
When it has dried out, simply wet it again. Your bedroom should feel more pleasant for sleeping in.
