Sleeping in the Heat

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

24 Jul 2008 06:40 PM

I have a hard time falling asleep when it's too hot in the room. I just can't get comfortable! If you have the same problem, here are some tips to help you sleep easy in the heat.

• Heat rises. You might be cooler on a lower story than an upper one.
• Help prevent heat build-up inside. Use blinds to keep the sun out. Open windows at night if the temperature is cooler.
• Cool off with a shower before bed. Keep in mind that hot showers can increase the humidity, which can make the heat seem worse.
• Cool off with a cold, wet washcloth. Run the cloth over your skin, then air-dry. Sit in front of a fan for extra-cooling. Cold compresses on your face and neck can be very cooling -- freeze a wet washcloth or use a package of frozen veggies.
• Use the lightest bedding you own -- skip the flannel sheets and heavy blankets.
• Wear light pajamas -- or sleep in the buff.
• Use a fan to keep the air moving. I've got an oscillating fan in my bedroom that blows over the bed. I love sleeping with a breeze on my face! Make sure to have a window or door open so there is good air flow -- a fan in a stuffy, closed room doesn't do as much.
• Use the appropriate size air conditioner for your room. A small room doesn't need a huge air conditioner!
• Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• When things are really bad, look for friends and family who have cooler homes or air conditioning. They might be willing to put you up for a few nights during a miserable heat wave.

Research from the National Sleep Foundation has found that heat can make it take longer to fall asleep. Once you do manage to fall asleep, the heat can make it hard to stay asleep or dream (in the all-important REM sleep stage).

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Samual (11722) 25 Jul 2008 06:06 AM

We keep the duvet on in summer, I cannot sleep just under the top sheet.

Courtney Mroch (9169) 11 Oct 2008 07:19 AM

Do you know it LOOKS a lot like fall outside but the temps don't reflect that here? At nights it's been cooling off into the 60s and even 50s, but because our bedroom is second level and heat rises...I've still got the fan on at night and A/C going. I need a cool room to sleep in too, Aimee.