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Summer months provide plenty of opportunities for swimming, spending time at the beach, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. However, in sweltering temperatures, getting a good night’s rest can feel all but impossible. Using a few tips, learn how to keep your body cooler during the hottest months of the year to make the most out of the sleep you get each night.
Take a Hot Shower Before Bed
Did you know research has shown that hot showers help with falling asleep during summer months? Taking a very hot shower is a way to help drop your body temperature as soon as you exit the shower, prompting the body to feel more tired. As your body temperature begins to rapidly drop, fall asleep much easier, even on the hottest nights of the year.
Invest in a Mattress Topper
Invest in a cooling mattress topper for your bed this summer to keep overheating to a minimum. Using a mattress topper is not only a way to stay cooler, but it is also useful to protect your mattress from sweat and stains.
Wear the Right Sleepwear
Wearing the right sleepwear during summer nights can make all of the difference when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. Avoid wearing heavy pajamas or pajamas that are layered during hot months. Do not wear flannel, velvet, or any other soft material during summer months, as these fabrics will drastically increase the amount of sweat you give off.
Stick to light and breathable materials such as cotton. Search for cotton pajamas that are loosely-woven for maximum comfort. Breathable materials can drastically improve the quality of sleep you get each night, even if the temperature is nearly unbearable outside.
Change Your Sheets
Are you still using sheets that you received during winter months or around Christmas? If your sheets are made with Jersey knit material or any thick material, it is time to swap them out for a more breathable alternative. Use breathable cotton sheets or sheets that are designed for warm and sticky months. Avoid using heavy comforters during the summertime and instead, opt for smaller blankets for comfort or additional top sheets to remain as cool as possible while you sleep.
Sleep With Your Hair Wet
Sleeping with wet hair is another option that can help to cool you off before heading to bed during the hot summer months. When your hair is wet against your skin, it helps to lower your body’s internal temperature. As your body’s temperature begins to lower in bed, this may help to soothe you into a quick sleep.
Have Your Thyroid Checked
If you have made various changes to your sleeping routine, turned up your air conditioning, and even invested in additional fans but you are still too hot, you may need your thyroid checked. The thyroid gland is a gland in the body that not only regulates metabolism, but also the body’s temperature and its ability to remain regulated at all times.
If your thyroid is overactive or underactive, you may experience mood swings, uncontrollable sweating, temperature fluctuations, and weight loss or gain. Have your thyroid checked by visiting your family doctor or by requesting to see an endocrinologist, or a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system which includes the thyroid gland.
Getting an adequate amount of sleep each night is essential regardless of the time of year. When your body does not get enough rest, you may experience extreme exhaustion, fatigue, confusion, and even delirium. With the right tips and a steady summertime routine, ensure your body is getting enough rest even in extreme temperatures.