How to sleep better in the UK heatwave as temperatures exceed 30C

If you struggle to sleep in the midst of hot weather, fear not. These tips may help you catch some much-needed shut-eye.

15:39, Fri, Jul 19, 2024 | UPDATED: 16:31, Fri, Jul 19, 2024

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Woman suffering from hot flash in bed

A heatwave is taking a hold of the UK right now (Image: Getty)

Britain is in the grip of a heatwave today, with temperatures soaring high enough to fry an egg on a car bonnet (Friday, July 19).

If temperatures rocket above 30C, it may even be the hottest day of the year and perhaps the perfect occasion for picnics, barbeques and even a dash of gardening.

But what feels like paradise in the day can quickly become a disaster when night falls, as sweltering heat makes it difficult to fall asleep.

But fear not - an expert at mattress brand Levitex has unveiled three surprising tricks that may help you catch some much-needed sleep amid the hot weather.

"If you're feeling super hot during this heatwave - three tips," the spokesperson said, posting to TikTok (@levitex). "Thing one, a nice cool shower before bed, keep that temperature low just before you get into the sheets.

@levitex
Anyone else melting? Heres how to sleep in a heatwave and melt a little less at night #heatwave #sleep
original sound - Levitex

"Thing two - do not be lying on your back and certainly not on your stomach, where more heat is going to be sucked in between the mattress and the body.More surface area is filled, sidelying would be the best option...

"And finally guys, do not be buying memory foam. A - it absorbs body heat and b, because it's so soft like a bowl of porridge it's muc more difficult to move and turn in. And then you're going to have to toss and turn through the night, increasing heart rate, making you super duper hot."

Aside from this, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent Niamh McMillan also recommends keeping your curtains closed in the daytime and buying a fan to keep your bedroom cool.

Surprisingly, avoiding sugary drinks, coffee and even alcohol may help as well, as McMillan claims they often leave you dehydrated.

Woman at night in front of a fan

Keeping your bedroom cool with a bedside fan can help (Image: Getty)

She said: "It may seem like obvious advice to give, but stay hydrated. Even if you’re not thirsty it is important to drink plenty of water as hot weather causes you to sweat, and it’s vital to replenish the lost fluids or you’ll overheat.

"Have a water bottle within reach as you go about your day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol can reduce the amount of sweat we produce, therefore making it harder for the body to cool down which can cause your body temperature to rise to extremely dangerous levels."