The perfect sleep in hot weather

Creating a Cool and Comfortable Sleep Environment

We’ve all experienced it – tossing and turning, hot sweats, damp sheets, and a stifling bedroom with no breeze. If you're dealing with a heatwave, getting a good night’s sleep can be a real challenge. With high temperatures expected to persist for weeks, it's essential to take steps to ensure your sleep remains restful and refreshing.

Experts from Dreams, a leading bed specialist, have compiled a range of practical tips and product recommendations to help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

Choosing the Right Bedding

The foundation of a cool night’s sleep starts with selecting the right materials for your mattress and bedding. According to Hannah Hayden, junior buyer at Dreams, switching to breathable, moisture-wicking bedding made with temperature-regulating technology is key.

She highlights that temperature-control cooling bedding, mattresses, and pillows offer exceptional comfort. “These mattresses feature cooling internal fillings and gel-infused foam, which provide an instant refreshing sensation,” she explains. “They also include natural anti-bacterial protection to reduce allergies and prevent odours, ensuring your sleep environment stays fresh over time.”

To complete your cooling sleep system, she recommends using breathable cooling pillow protectors and mattress toppers. These are designed to enhance airflow and are moisture-wicking, offering year-round comfort.

Strategies to Stay Cool at Night

Staying cool during the night requires some thoughtful strategies. Sammy Margo, Dreams’ resident sleep expert, explains that warmer weather can make quality sleep harder to achieve. “The ideal room temperature for optimum comfort and rest is around 16-18°C,” she says. “Even slight temperature increases can disrupt this, so prioritising sleep hygiene is important.”

Here are some smart tips to help you stay comfortable and well-rested throughout the summer:

Sleep solo or adopt the starfish position: Sharing a bed can double body heat, making it harder to stay cool. A simple solution is using two separate duvets, allowing each person to regulate their own temperature. Sleeping in a more open position, such as the starfish position, can also allow maximum airflow around your body.
Freeze your bedding: Place your pillowcase or top sheet in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime. This provides a quick chill to ease into sleep. For an extra boost, try freezing your pyjamas or an eye mask.
Use a memory foam ice pillow: These pillows are designed to stay cool through the night without needing to be frozen, offering long-lasting relief.
Chill your skincare products: Store facial sprays, toners, or moisturisers in the fridge. Applying chilled products to your skin can soothe and refresh you on hot nights, adding a mini spa-like experience before bed.
Block out heat during the day: Prevent your bedroom from becoming a greenhouse by using blackout curtains or blinds to keep direct sunlight out. Closing windows during the hottest parts of the day and opening them only when the air cools in the evening can make a noticeable difference.
Take a lukewarm shower before bed: While a cold shower might seem like the obvious choice, a lukewarm one is more effective. It helps lower your core body temperature gradually, triggering your body’s natural cooling process and promoting relaxation.

By implementing these strategies and investing in the right products, you can create a cooler, more comfortable sleep environment even during the hottest days. For more sleep-related tips and expert advice, visit Dreams Sleep Matters Club.