Some very uncomfortable summer heat is here, and it’s getting harder for us to find a cool spot to lay our head at night. The problem is quite severe, currently, in the UK with over half the population struggling to stay cool during these summer months as we are ill-equipped.

As the heatwave continues to deny many their well-deserved rest, sleep becomes a rarity and the summer months become labeled as some of the most stressful of the year.

If you’re one of the millions of people in the UK who are battling against the nighttime heat in vain, there is a solution to the problem. Researchers from Leeds University in conjunction with The Wool Room found out that wool bedding are more breathable, and are therefore less likely to get you all hot and bothered while you sleep. Apart from wool, there are many ways to stay cool under the covers this summer season.

1.  Using The Correct Bedding

Wool is the most natural way of staying cool in bed this season, according to the Managing Director of The Wool Room, Chris Tattersall. It is one of a few fibres with the ability to regulate the temperature of our bodies, making it one of the most suitable bedding choices for these warm months.

Cotton, particularly the organic variety, works well with wool in ensuring a cool, restful night’s sleep. In fact, wearing cotton at night will keep you cooler than sleeping in (or without) your drawers.  If this isn’t working well for you, try refrigerating your bedding before you go to sleep. Put them in a plastic bag and pop them into the fridge/ freezer for about thirty minutes or so. While they will eventually get warm over the night, the initial coolness will buy you enough time to doze off.

Bamboo is one of the most breathable and lightweight fabrics, and these bamboo bed sheets are soft and plush and so breathable and lightweight.

2.  Drink Some Water  

Although you’ll be going against everything, you were taught not to do right before bedtime, drinking a glass of water will keep your body temperature cool enough for you to get comfortable. Don’t drink an entire litre just because it’s extra hot. A little does the trick, provided you take it a few minutes before going to bed.    Water will also keep you hydrated throughout the hot night, which is crucial since you’ll be losing a lot of moisture through sweating.  An obvious tip perhaps; but one many overlook.

3.  Have a Shower before Bed   

A nice, cold shower is great for a hot day, but at night you’re better off using tepid water. A cold shower will raise your body temperature, and that will only make it harder to sleep. Hot water will relax you and prepare you for bed, but it won’t make the heat any less unbearable.

Showering using tepid water will do the trick. Lukewarm water will not be enough to raise your body temperature significantly, and it will leave your body feeling cool and refreshed afterwards.

4.  Get a Fan  

If you don’t already have a fan in your bedroom, now’s the time to spring for one. A fan is a relatively hassle-free method of escaping the summer heat at night. Don’t be afraid to invest in bigger, more powerful fans if the situation calls for it. If you do this, however, make sure to grab a set of earplugs as well since big fans can get quite loud.

5.  Improvise an Air Conditioner    Making an impromptu air conditioner is easy. All you’ll need is your fan and a bowl/plate of ice cubes, (or a bottle of frozen water if this is easier for you). Place the bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan and leave it there overnight. As it melts, the fan will blow the icy breeze all around the room, keeping it nice and chilly enough for you to get a restful night’s sleep.

6.  Flannel and Mist Sprayer 

A flannel and a mist sprayer are perhaps not items you’d place on your nightstand, but now the situation calls for it. Put your cloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes beforehand to ensure that it is nice and cool. You can use this as a refreshing towel to put on your forehead when it gets too hot or use the mist sprayer when the unbearable heat forces you out of your sleep.    7.  Sleep in Wet Clothes    Sleeping in a damp t-shirt and perhaps some socks will keep you cool throughout the night provided you don’t mind the initial discomfort. As your body heats up, it will evaporate the moisture in the damp clothes, and this will have a cooling effect that’s enough to keep you comfortable even during a hot night.    Don’t let the summer heat steal your sleep anymore. These seven simple methods can be used together for a bigger effect, which is recommended if you live in an unusually hot location.