How to Survive Sleeping in the Heat If You Don’t Have Air Conditioning
You can make your air conditioner more efficient and effective , you can make your own air conditioner , and you can cool your home without an air conditioner at all . But what if you can’t sleep because it’s too hot?
I consider myself a bit of an expert on the subject. My childhood home didn’t have air conditioning, and it’s not like I grew up in a mild climate — I grew up in the mid-Atlantic where evening summer temperatures typically eclipse 75 degrees. Unfortunately for me, it was easier to just learn how to sleep in the heat than to try to convince my immigrant Dutch father to install a couple of window units. But my suffering was not in vain, since I can put my sweat to work for you. Here are six tips on how to fall asleep in the heat of the summer when there is no way to turn on the air conditioner.
Store a new pair of socks in the refrigerator. Desperate times call for strange measures. Although this method may seem strange, the National Library of Medicine conducted a study that concluded that cooling the feet is actually an effective method of reducing heat stress. If you’re like me and can’t sleep in your socks, try cooling your sheets or pillowcases instead.
Stay hydrated. You already know about the myths associated with dehydration , but this is not one of them. Before you go to bed, make sure you’re well hydrated, as research has shown that dehydration can lead to poor sleep , and you need enough fluids to keep you sweating, which will help keep you cool at night.
Choose the right sheets. Summer is clearly not the time for a fluffy duvet or heavy quilt, but your choice of sheets can also have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. In summer, choose lighter and more breathable materials such as cotton, linen or bamboo. Set aside woolen or flannel sheets for the summer and you’ll be in better shape.
Invest in a good mattress. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s time to buy a new mattress ( although it probably is ). But you’re not doing yourself any favors when you’re fighting the heat if the mattress you’re sleeping on traps all of your body heat. Learn about the new mattress designed with cooling features .
Take a cold shower right before bed. We’ve already discussed the ideal amount of time to spend in the shower, but what about when? If you’re a morning shower and want to fight the summer heat, swap your schedule and take a cool shower before bed. This will lower your body temperature—hopefully long enough that you can fall asleep before feeling uncomfortable again.
Place a bottle of frozen water under your pillow. I admit it’s not exactly rocket science – it turns out putting ice in your bed actually cools you down. Just make sure you use an airtight water bottle so you don’t wake up cocooned in wet sheets. Fill the bottle only two-thirds full before tossing it into the freezer; if you overfill it, it may burst as the ice expands.