Everyone urged to use hot water bottle to keep cool in 30C heat at night
Everyone is being told to use a hot water bottle to beat the heat tonight
You might have noticed that the hot weather has finally arrived in the UK this week as temperatures have soared, delivering some seasonable summer sunshine at last.
While Monday’s temperatures are peaking at 29C, Tuesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week with the mercury tipped to smash through 32C according to the Met Office.
And hot days brings hot nights, with millions of us batting to keep bedrooms cool enough to get some shut-eye during the muggy, sweltering conditions.
One trick that heating experts and Reddit users alike are tipping people to use involves hot water bottles.
While you’re no doubt used to making up a hot water bottle to keep warm in the depths of winter, the humble hot water bottle can also double up as a summer soother.
To keep cool overnight, simply fill your hot water bottle with cold tap water and then stick it in the freezer.
After about 20 to 30 minutes, the hot water bottle should solidify into ice inside.
You can then take it to bed and keep it nearby all night, and the chunk of ice will slowly thaw through the wee hours, bringing you some much needed chill while you try to kip.
Just be sure not to fill the water right to the top, as you’ll need to leave a little room for the water to expand when it turns into ice (thanks, GCSE chemistry).
Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent Niamh McMillan said: “Prepare your bedroom by keeping the curtains closed all day to prevent sunlight streaming through and warming the room.
“Black out blinds can also help keep rooms cool in the Summer. Pack away thick bedding and instead opt for light, breathable sheets such as cotton.
“A quick, cool shower before bedtime can help lower your body temperature. Use a bedside fan to circulate the air around your room as you sleep. Try putting pillowcases in the freezer and then fitting them on your pillows just before bed.
“Or fill your hot water bottle with cold water and freeze for 20 minutes, to help keep your bed cool.”
And Reddit user ivyfernmoss agreed: “Basically exactly as the title says. If you have a hot water bottle get it in the freezer now. Get it out at bedtime.
“It's a big enough chunk of ice that it will stay cool all night. You don't even have to be particularly hugging it or whatever to stay significantly cooler than if you didn't have it in bed with you.”
u/sidewaysantelope added: “I do this - I call it the reverse hot water bottle. Wrap it up in a towel and 'snuggle' all night. One for me and one for the cat, who can't really take off her furry onesie.”
