How to sleep - ‘amazingly effective’ summer trick to help you fall asleep in hot weather
YOU can sleep better by making changes to your bedtime routine, avoiding uncomfortable mattresses, and by making changes to your diet plan. But, if you struggle to fall asleep in hot weather, you could get a better night’s rest by doing this summer trick while lying in bed.
Sleep expert explains how to achieve a healthy lifestyle
Your body needs enough sleep to help it perform its functions properly, according to the NHS.
If you struggle to fall asleep, there are some tips and tricks that could help you to get a better night’s rest.
Almost half of people in the UK wake up in the night because they’re too hot, revealed a Sealy UK survey.
But, you can beat the sleepy heat, no matter how warm it is, by making small changes to your bed time routine.
One of those changes is to place a bucket of cool water next to your bed.
How to sleep better: Fall asleep fast in hot summer weather with this cold water trick
Dipping your feet in cool water, while lying in bed, could help you to fall asleep in the summer, according to Sealy UK’s Sleep Expert, Neil Robinson.
By keeping your feet cool, it could help to prevent the rest of your body from becoming too hot, he said.
“This one is amazingly effective,” said Robinson.
“Position a bucket of cool water next to your bed, and dip your foot in it while you drift off.
“It can help cool down the rest of your body. Just don’t spill it!”
You could also help yourself to fall asleep in hot weather by putting your bed sheets in a fridge or freezer for 10 minutes before bed, revealed the sleep expert.
But, you should make sure your fridge is clean before putting any sheets in there.
“If you’re pushed for space, then just cool your pillow case,” said Robinson.
If you’re still struggling to sleep, then try placing cold flannels, or ice cubes in a plastic bag, on your wrists and neck.
“The pulse points on your body can cool the rest of you effectively. You’ll be surprised by the effectiveness,” he said.
About a third of people in the UK admit to not getting enough sleep, said the NHS.
Not getting enough good quality sleep increases your risk of some deadly conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
Setting yourself a regular bed time will help to programme the brain into getting ready for sleep.
Most people need between six and nine hours every night.
If you aren’t sure how many hours of sleep you need, try writing a sleep diary, taking into account the amount of sleep you’ve had and how you’re feeling when you wake up.