Consumer experts at Which? have shared five tips to help people sleep better during the hot weather, including soaking feet in cold water before bed. The advice comes as August continues to be hot and dry across the UK.
Tips for a cooler night
In a video posted on TikTok, @Whichuk wrote: "Sleep rough with the heat last night? Try these tips tonight. You can thank us later." The experts suggested avoiding activities that raise body temperature, such as eating heavy or spicy meals, and focusing on methods to cool down.
Which? recommended taking a cool shower or soaking your feet in cold water before bed, as this can lower body temperature and help you feel more refreshed. Alternatively, putting a pair of socks in the fridge and wearing them before bed was suggested by the British Red Cross.
Other recommendations
Additional tips from Which? included placing ice in front of a fan and wearing lightweight pyjamas made from natural fibres. The full list advised: "1. Take a cool shower or soak your feet in cold water before bed. 2. Wear lightweight pyjamas made from natural fibres. 3. Got a fan? Place a bowl of ice in front of it. 4. Don't exercise just before bed. 5. Avoid hot, heavy, or spicy meals."
On Facebook, Which? asked users to share their own tricks for sleeping in the heat, prompting a range of responses. One viewer suggested running wrists under cold water until cooling down, a method described as a well-known way to rapidly reduce core temperature. Another comment recommended using a spray bottle with water by the bed, a tip attributed to Dr Hilary. A third person shared a method involving a cold box with ice packs for those suffering from cluster migraines, while another suggested pointing a fan out of an open window to pull hot air out of the room.
