Hot weather can make it harder to fall asleep, cause more wake-ups overnight and leave people feeling less rested the next day, according to ScienceDaily.
The article explains that sleep is closely tied to thermoregulation, or the body’s effort to keep its temperature in a safe range. When bedrooms stay warm, it becomes harder for the body to lose heat, which can disrupt sleep.
To help cool a home before bedtime, the story recommends closing curtains or blinds on sunny windows, using external shading when possible and opening windows only when the air outside is cooler than indoors. It also says cross-ventilation and night-time ventilation can help in some homes, depending on conditions such as safety, noise and air quality.
Other tips include limiting heat from appliances like ovens, dryers and dishwashers, using extractor fans, choosing light bedding and loose sleepwear, and sleeping in the coolest room available. Fans, ice packs and cooling bedding may also help, though ScienceDaily notes that fans alone may not be enough in very high temperatures or for people who are unwell or dehydrated.
