We all wait with bated breath for those first signs of summer but as much as we love catching some rays during the daylight hours, the associated warmth that the nighttime brings can be a nuisance.
The uncomfortable feeling of tossing and turning in our beds or having to discard the covers and clothes is an all too familiar scenario as the nights warm up. However, this doesn’t have to be the case! We’ve put together our top tips and tricks to allow you to enjoy a good night’s sleep no matter how hot it gets!
Discover which materials to opt for, the best duvet and pillows to use and some of our unusual tips to ensure you get the best night’s sleep this summer.
It’s all about the materials
When we think of summer interiors we conjure up images of light and airy fabrics and this certainly translates to bedding. Choosing light and airy bedding that not only keeps you cool but also channels the mood of the season.
Linen and cotton are the ideal bedding fabrics for warmer nights. Woven from natural fibers they breathe well which allows you to stay cool.
Cotton lets the cool air pass through while feeling light on your skin making it ideal for all types of bedding including pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers.
Linen has natural cooling properties making it extremely breathable, moisture-wicking and absorbent. It’s a temperature regulator meaning it will keep you cool on warmer night’s and add warmth on cooler nights. Linen also holds up well for washing, gets softer over time and is visually beautiful so win-win!
What tog should I choose?
A duvet’s tog rating relates to its warmth, not its weight which is often an assumption made. The higher the tog then the warmer the duvet. We would recommend anything between 2.5 to 7 tog as being perfect for spring and summer and for autumn winter we would recommend anything between 10.5 and 13.5 tog.
Swapping out your duvet as the seasons change provides you with adequate time to have one of your duvets cleaned and ready for the return of the next season while ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible in bed.
What pillow is best?
When choosing what filling your pillow contains we recommend opting for down filled as these are light and fluffy. Down filled pillows are also more breathable than those with a synthetic fill making them more suited to summer.
Invest in the best
Although the heat can be a contributing factor to a poor night’s sleep during summer, the mattress you sleep on also has a major impact on the quality of your sleep.
Your mattress should support you on all your pressure points including your shoulders, hips and base of your spine. Your mattress should also be replaced every six to eight years to ensure it’s in tip top shape and providing you with the best possible support.
Keep a throw on standby
Although warm summer days can turn into warm summer nights, it’s not unusual for the night to be significantly colder especially in late spring. Rather than getting caught out and having to dig out your old winter bedding why not keep a throw or bedspread on standby at the bottom of your bed? Not only does this allow you to add a pop of colour and texture to your bedding but if the night is colder than you expected it can quickly become an extra layer to keep you toasty.
Get creative
If we want to keep cool we may need to get creative! One of our favourite hacks is chilling your sheets before bedtime! Simply place your bed sheets and pillowcases into a sealed bag in your freezer for about ten to fifteen minutes before you head to bed. We promise this gives you instant coolness as you drift off to sleep. Similarly, instead of boiling the kettle for your hot water bottle, fill it with some cold water and pop it in the freezer. Place this on your sheets before bedtime to cool things down.
As tempting as it can be to open windows during the warm weather, try to avoid opening your bedroom windows during the hottest parts of the day as this will let hot air in. Similarly, leave curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day and make sure none of your air vents are closed or obstructed as this will increase the temperature.
It might not just be the heat
Although the heat can play a large role in preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep there may be other reasons behind your restless nights such as anxiety or insomnia. In these situations we recommend the use of a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets provide similar benefits to that provided by deep pressure therapy and have positive results for a range of conditions including ADHD and anxiety.
Choose weighted blankets that are made with breathable fabrics and which are cool to the touch to avoid additional heat on the warmer nights. Those with sleek, cooler sides can actually help to wick away sweat on hotter nights.
