Too hot to spoon?

During extreme heat waves, many people find it more difficult to get adequate sleep. Extreme heat can affect your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and feel refreshed from sleep. It is important for your health to get the sleep you need, so below are a few ideas to help with sleeping.

• Take the air. Open windows – and doors – to create a draught
• Lose the duvet and blankets. Just use a cotton sheet, if anything, or a duvet with a low tog rating
• Slip into something a little more comfortable. Wear light cotton nightwear – or go completely naked
• Soak up some shower power. There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer night than a deliciously cool shower (or bath) before bedtime
• Tap into drink. Have plenty of cold water and always keep a glass handy by the bed
• Try the diet for good dreams. Avoid too much alcohol or a big meal – both can make you hot and steamy in the middle of the night through dehydration and over-active digestion
• Sleep like a baby. Fill a hot water bottle with ice cold water
• Don’t be a hothead. Put your pillow case in the fridge before bedtime
• Breeze through the night. Use an electric fan and put a tray with ice cubes in front of it.
• Sock it to them. Chill socks in the fridge before bedtime as it will help to lower your core body temperature.
• Keep some space between you and your partner. Stop snuggling and put some space between you to help stay cool. It helps if you have a big enough bed too! In fact, next time you buy a new bed, make sure it’s big enough for two of you to sleep without disturbing each other: 5ft should be your minimum.