Expert Advice For Staying Cool At Night In Hot Weather

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If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that having to change your sheets is probably the most arduous house task there is. 

So, even though I hate not sleeping with the duvet on (that’s just a personal thing) I’ll do anything to make sure I don’t have to change my sheets every night as I sweat through the summer.

We all know the value of a good night’s sleep at this point, and while you might be spending more hours out of the comfort of your bed during summer than you do in winter, you still want to know your sleep setup won’t let you down at the end of the day.

To help you keep cool and collected during the warmer months, Sammy Margo, physiotherapist and in-house sleep expert at Dreams has shared her tips for upgrading your sleep setup.

1. Mattress matters

All these years, I falsely assumed what goes on top of you matters more than what you’re on top of at night. 

“Your mattress has a huge impact on how well you sleep in warmer weather,” advises Margo. Who knew? A mattress with a cooling layer will do a lot of heavy lifting to stop you feeling suffocated by your bed.

2. Wear protection

Not the kind you’re thinking of (but that too, obvs). “A mattress protector is often the unsung hero of a cooler night’s sleep,” Margo says.

“It’s a simple swap, but one that can make a real difference during a heatwave.” 

3. Duvet 

The same goes for your duvet. “Lots of people still like the comfort of a duvet, even when it’s warm,” Margo says (glad I’m not the only one!).

Choosing a duvet that promotes airflow can sidestep the issue of a warm layer of heat, she adds.

4. Rest your head

“A cool pillow can be one of the quickest ways to feel more comfortable on a hot night,” Margo says.

5. Keep the heat out

It might seem like a given, but to not feel sticky at night, you’ll need to keep heat out during the day.

“Blackout curtains or blinds help keep bedrooms cooler and reduce heat build-up,” Margo adds.

“It’s also best to keep windows closed during the hottest parts of the day, only opening them later in the evening once temperatures begin to drop.”

6. Shower temperature matters

While all you want to do after a long day of being in the sun is to clamber into a cold shower, that might have the opposite effect to what you intend to do before bedtime.

“It might sound strange, but a lukewarm shower can help gradually lower core body temperature and trigger the body’s natural cooling process, helping people relax and drift off more comfortably,” Margo explains.

Personally, I find ThisWorks’ body wash and a lukewarm shower is all I need to help me wind down for bed – it smells lush and it doesn’t dry my skin out even more than it already has been by the sun.

7. Ice, ice, baby

If you’re longing for something cool, freezing your bedding before you climb in can help keep you comfortable all night long.

“Placing pillowcases or bedsheets in the freezer for a few minutes before bed can provide temporary relief from the heat and make it easier to fall asleep,” Margo says. “For added comfort, pyjamas or eye masks can also be chilled beforehand.”