What to do when it's too hot to sleep
Quick tips to help you keep cool during the heat wave
Much of the country is in the midst of a miserable heat wave, raising the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and also making sleep elusive.
Looking for some sleep tips for the next several days (and any time the temperature spikes)? Keep the following in mind:
Your bedroom doesn’t need to be an icebox. Aim to keep it cool (between about 63 and 68 degrees).
Whether or not you have air conditioning, help keep your bedroom and overall living space cool by keeping curtains closed during the day. Once the sun goes down, open windows to take advantage of any potential cross breeze (note: this only works if it’s cooler outside than inside!)
If you’re using a fan, know that it’s considered much less effective in temperatures of 95 degrees F/35 degrees C. If your living space is at or exceeds this level, you’ll need to take additional steps.
Stay hydrated! This is extra-important if you’re outdoors, but also helps you maintain your cool at night. Just be sure that you’re not chugging liquids too close to bedtime to limit middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
Avoid alcohol, which is a double whammy: it disrupts your sleep, and it’s dehydrating.
And finally, here’s a weird-but-likely-effective tip I came across: Make a cold pack with frozen rice! Fill a sock or small pouch with uncooked rice and pop it in the freezer. The rice will mold to your body shape – making it perfect for your forehead or under your neck – and the rice should stay cold longer than a traditional ice pack (and won’t drip).
What works for you? I’d love to hear any additional tips you’ve found.
Sleep well,
Lisa