5 Ways to Adapt for Sleeping in Summer
Last winter, we published an article talking about sleeping better during the winter months. Well, now that it is summertime, it is time to talk about sleeping in summer—and trust us when we say that sleeping well during these warmer summer months is just as important as sleeping during the winter!
During the summer months, most people are out doing things. They may be hiking, fishing, playing sports, spending more time outdoors, etc. And with all of this extra activity going on, it is more important than ever to get a quality night’s rest every single night!
But what if the heat starts to get to you?
Here are some tips to help.
Be Careful With Your Covers While Sleeping In Summer
We all know that cooler temperatures help us to sleep better. And while you are probably using your air-conditioner to help keep the temperature at a reasonable level, you still need to be aware of what you are doing with your covers.
You really want as much skin exposure as possible while sleeping in the summer months, especially if your room tends to be warm.
So make sure that there are no heavy covers around your torso, and uncover your feet. Instead of a heavy quilt, switch to a lighter-weight blanket or a cotton sheet.
Cool Your Socks Off Before Bedtime
This is a weird trick that actually works.
Put your socks in the refrigerator or freezer before you go to bed. Then, put them on right before you lay down. This basically decreases your core body temperature, and helps you to stay cooler as you drift off to sleep.
You can also do this with your pillow cases!
Set Up A Fan
Yes, it is a simple fix. But it is also one of the most time-tested, proven methods to beat the heat and fall asleep faster during the hot summer months.
Buy a small box fan, point it toward you, and turn it on before hitting the sheets.
Not only with the gentle ‘humming’ of the blades drown out noises, but it will also help to keep the air circulating at the same time!
Take A Cool Shower Before Bed
Lowering your core body temperature is a sure-fire way to increase your odds of sleeping through the night.
And a cold shower right before bed may actually help you in this endeavor quite a bit!
You may think that a hot bath would relax you more, but this is a common misconception.
Warming up your body may actually make it more difficult to pass out in the hot summer months!
Lighter Pajamas
If you normally wear flannel pajamas to bed, summertime may be the perfect time to set them aside.
There is actually a lot of evidence to support sleeping naked when it is hot outside. But if you don’t feel quite up to this, you can also trade in your heavy sleepwear for something light, cool, and comfortable. Light cotton pajamas often do a great job, and may be even better than sleeping in nothing… as they can help to absorb moisture caused by perspiration.
In Conclusion
There are a lot of things you can do to help yourself sleep better in the warm summer months. Sleeping in summer can sometimes be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be an impossible mission.
Choosing to utilize two or three of these tips each night could do a lot to help you overcome your body’s tendency to stay alert during the warmer months.
Just remember… when it comes to sleeping in summer, it is all about lowering your core body temperature and staying cool. Don’t be afraid to turn on the air-conditioner, but also be aware that you may need to utilize more than one strategy to get the job done and get that long, peaceful night’s rest your body is craving!
Joshua Sigafus is just a writer trying to make the world a better place. He writes extensively about positive living, health, wellness, success, and happiness, and you can check out his daily blog at www.livinginspringfield.net for daily positive vibes and blog posts.
