Sleeping Like a Hot Tamale? Get Cool as a Cucumber!

If sleeping cool is a challenge, we have some hot tips for you!

Feel like a human furnace when you sleep? Overheating at night can leave you tossing, turning and far from the restful slumber your body craves. But sleeping cool isn’t just about comfort – it’s essential for better health and quality sleep, no matter the season.

Our bodies are designed to cool down slightly during sleep, helping us transition into deeper, more restorative rest. When that cooling process is disrupted by a too-warm environment or heavy bedding, it can leave you groggy and less prepared to tackle your day.

Ready to keep your “sleep” cool? Here are some simple, effective ways to create a sleep sanctuary that supports your body’s natural rhythms:

15 ways to beat the heat and sleep cooler, no matter the season

1. Choose cotton sheets. Save the ooh-la-la satin, silk or polyester bed sheets for cooler nights. Bed linens made of cotton are breathable and perfect for promoting ventilation and air flow throughout the night. Choose a lighter color such as peach, yellow or baby blue.
2. Push the air out. Position your fan so it pushes stale and warm out of your bedroom. Adjust ceiling fan settings so they spin counter-clockwise, pulling hot air up and out instead of twirling it around the room. You’ll notice a difference immediately, especially if you sleep near a window. 
3. Loosen up the jammies. Less is more when it comes to sleeping cooler. Slip into a loose, soft cotton shirt, underwear for go fully nude. Some people believe sleeping in the buff keeps them cool, while others claim sleeping naked keeps sweat on the body.
4. Go old school. Remember when refrigerators were iceboxes that held actual blocks of ice? This trick is right out the icebox era. Make a home air conditioner by positioning a shallow pan or bowl full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.
5. Go it alone. Sorry lovebirds, but sleeping alone will keep you cooler than cuddling. Spooning with your partner increases body heat, potentially making the bed a sticky, sweaty pit of despair instead of a cool oasis.
6. Eat lighter at dinner. Swap food coma meals for small lighter ones that are easier to metabolize. The body produces more heat after devouring that huge steak than fruits and veggies. (Foodie tip: Consuming spicy foods during hot weather may seem counterproductive, but according to the Huffington Post, eating foods such as chili peppers and curried dishes enhances your blood circulation and causes you to sweat. As the moisture evaporates, your body temperature decreases and you cool down.)
7. Encourage cold feet. Because there are lots of pulse points in your feet, those little piggies are sensitive to temperature. Cool down your whole body by soaking feet into cold water before hitting the hay. Even better, keep a cool bucket or glass of water next to your need and dip your feet in whenever you’re feeling hot throughout the night.
8. Unplug. Yes, literally disconnect all electronic devices at night. Gadgets give off heat, even when turned off.
9. Sleep spread eagle.  Sleeping alone definitely has its perk, including plenty of space to stretch out like Gumby. Snoozing in spread eagle position is best for reducing body heat and letting air circulate around you.
10. Get creative with grains. Rice isn’t just for eating! Rice and other similar grains can keep you cool on a long hot night. For a cool compress on scorching nights, fill a sock with rice, tie it off and stick in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Use it as a compress on your neck or forehand to cool you down as you doze off.
11. Fill on up. Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before going to sleep. Tossing and turning and sweating at night can result in dehydration, so get some H2O in your tank. Just 8 ounces will do the trick – as long as you don’t mind sleep walking to the bathroom at 3 a.m.
12. Find a new pillow. Your head is the hottest part of your body and needs to be extra cool. A smaller, softer pillow will allow more air circulation around your head.
13. Plant a tree. Seriously! Though you’ll be waiting several years to reap the benefits. Planting a tree on the south side of your home is the ultimate eco-friendly way to stay cool. Deciduous trees provide the most shade during hot months, resulting in a cooler home throughout the day.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

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