Sleep Expert Shares the Must-Have Freezer Item for a Cooler Night's Sleep—It's Not What You Think!

TEMPERATURES continue to soar across the country this week – and the heatwave can make it difficult to sleep.

But you don’t have to lie awake in a puddle of sweat in your stifling bedroom.

The hot weather can make it difficult to sleep Credit: Getty A hot water bottle can be used in summer too Credit: Getty

Here is how to enjoy a breezy bedtime without spending a fortune…

SOCK IT

Wearing a pair of slightly damp cotton socks to bed can help bring your core body temperature down.

To feel the effect even more, put your wet socks in the freezer right now so that they get nice and cool by tonight.

Dr Deborah Lee, sleep expert from Doctor Fox working with Comfybedss , said: “Wearing a pair of slightly damp cotton socks to bed can help us bring our core body temperature down through a process called evaporative cooling.

“Our feet play a huge part in helping our body’s temperature regulate, so keeping them cool is vital and has a knock on effect on the whole body.”

COOL IT

Homes can quickly become uncomfortable in the heat and portable air conditioning units are pricey.

Instead, try upgrading your fan by placing a bowl of ice in front so it then circulates cooler air.

Patrick Garner Heating Engineer at Heatable says: “A fan can help, but positioning matters.

“In the early evening, placing it near an open window facing outwards can help expel trapped hot air. Later, turn it towards the bed to improve airflow across the skin.”

You can also give the Egyptian method a go. Simply soak a large towel in cool water, wring it out and then hang it either in your doorway or your bedroom window.

As the hot air passes through, the cold towel will change this to cold air, working in a similar way that air conditioning works but without the hefty electricity bill.

Avoid using heat-generating gadgets such as phone chargers or TVs in your room at bedtime too.

Patrick adds: “Even small devices produce heat, and several running together can make an already warm room less comfortable.”

BOTTLE IT

Try filling your hot water bottle up with cold water and putting it in the freezer for around 15 minutes before bed.

Pop it under the covers and you’ll be getting into bed with cool linen rather than a dreaded heat trap.

You can also do the same with pillow cases to help everyone feel more comfortable as they sleep.

COTTON ON

Choosing breathable, temperature-appropriate sleepwear can make a huge difference.

Natural fabrics such as cotton can help everyone stay comfortable as temperatures change overnight.

Replacing fleece or heavier bedding with lightweight summer bed linen can also make bedtime considerably more comfortable during periods of hot weather.