How to: Beat the Heat in your Summer Slumber

As Australia readies itself for a steamy hot summer once again, it’s time for us to prepare for it too, especially when it comes to sleeping.

Here are some handy tips and tricks to making sure you get your beauty sleep over these hot summer nights.

Hydration and Foods

When it comes to keeping cool, staying hydrated is priority number one. Maintaining a steady supply of water will help keep your body cool. Try to keep caffeine and alcohol consumption to a minimum. Your body has to work harder to break these liquids down, Which in turn produces more heat.

Big meals before bedtime can also cause your body to overheat. Your body has to work harder to break down a heavier meal. A salad or yogurt will keep your body cool and will also help keep your home cool from the minimum effort to prepare such meals.

Keeping Low

Numerous studies show that heat rises, so of course the way to avoid the heat is to keep low.

If your bedroom is on the second story or in a raised room, it would be more susceptible to heat. If possible, sleeping in the lower story of your house will help keep you cool. Try moving your mattress to the floor instead of using a bed frame

Use Windows to your Advantage

Keeping the sun out during the day is important so make sure that you keep all your windows closed and your curtains drawn.

When the sun goes down, make sure you take advantage of that evening breeze by opening your windows. Make sure you check the weather report in advance to be sure a cool change will occur!

Power Down for the Night

While air conditioners and powered fans help keep you cool during the summer, other utilities are doing the opposite.

Appliances produce heat while they are plugged in, even if they are not in use. Unplugging appliances during the night and turning off all lights will help minimize excess heat in your home. This will also help save you a pretty penny on your next electricity bill.

Small Things to Beat the Heat

The minuscule things can make the whole difference between struggling to sleep at night and drifting away peacefully into a good night’s rest.

Try having a cold shower before bed or resting a damp wash cloth on your head to keep you cool during the night. You might also like to keep a small spray bottle in your bedside table for if you feel especially hot in the middle of the night. If all else fails, a small foot fan is like the old faithful for a hot summers night.