Summer may not officially be here yet, but the hot seasonal weather sure is and that can make it harder for some people to sleep. When temperatures are sky high, you may be temped to strip down and sleep in your birthday suit, but one expert says that’s a bad idea.
According to sleep psychologist Suzy Reading, if you want a good night’s sleep during a heatwave, sleeping in the buff isn’t the way to get it. “I wouldn’t recommend sleeping naked, as much as this might appeal, because the sweat then collects on your skin rather than being absorbed by the fibers of your clothing and cooling you down,” she explains. Instead she suggests loose fitting, light garments made from natural materials like cotton, bamboo and silk.
Other ways to stay cool in bed when it’s hot outside:
- Avoid spicy food - It’s best to steer clear of anything spicy or high in fat, as it can raise your body temperature, Reading says.
- Go easy on alcohol - This expert says to drink with caution, since alcohol lowers the quality of sleep and may cause you to wake up more often during the night, so you’re not well-rested in the morning.
- Get your own covers - While some couples may choose to sleep in separate beds to cool off, Reading suggests using separate bedding as an easier alternative. That way you and your partner each have your own blankets, as heavy or as light as you need to be comfortable.
- Consider the bedding materials - Lightweight natural fibers, like cotton, silk, linen or bamboo are ideal for your bedding during the summer.
- Try a pre-bedtime bath - “Taking a bath one to two hours before bed has been scientifically shown to help you get to sleep,” Reading says. “It works by drawing your core heat to your extremities, where it's released.” She explains that the warmth of the bath is relaxing and getting rid of that core body heat when you get out helps promote sleep.
Source: The Sun