Summer is finally on the way, but if you find yourself struggling to beat the heat you aren't alone. While the warmer weather is a welcome change to the usual dreary climate we usually have, there can be downsides. The hotter conditions can spell big problems for your sleep schedule. We may clutch our hot water bottles in the winter, but getting an uninterrupted night's sleep can be equally difficult during the warmer months.

In our last blog, we discussed how the long hours of sunlight through the summer can impact your rest. Drifting off can be especially difficult when it's bright outside, and the balmy temperatures are yet another reason why people can experience trouble sleeping.

Why is it that so many of us can't seem to get our eight hours when the weather gets warmer? Well, your body is naturally wired to fall asleep when it feels cooler Your sleep pattern, otherwise known as your circadian rhythm, actually causes your internal temperature to drop when it's close to bedtime. Although, this becomes much more difficult when your environment is too hot. So, if you've been wondering how to sleep in the summer, scroll on.

 

Keep The Sun At Bay

 

When you're out and about on a sunny day, protection from the sun is a must. Whether it's suncream or sunhats, shielding yourself from the blistering heat is important. However, while we take steps to protect ourselves our environment can often be neglected. In our last blog, we touched on how blackout blinds are a must-have for a good lie-in.

By blocking out light, blackout curtains and roller blinds help to prevent your sleep from being interrupted and allow you to get to sleep no matter how bright the light is outside. This isn't where the benefits of high-quality thick blinds stop, and they are a fantastic help in your temperature-regulating efforts.

 

 

 

During the day, keeping your blinds down and curtains drawn can help to cool down your bedroom and allow you to sleep at night without any muggy discomfort. Here at Taylor's on the High Street, we offer a bespoke blind and curtain service at our Aberdeenshire furniture shop. With a comprehensive service that includes measuring and installation, you can be sure to find blackout blinds and curtains that complement your home.

We also provide ready-made options, so you can ensure your curtains are ready to go as soon as you need them. We love these Laura Ashley curtains, available in two subtle shades. These pencil pleat curtains are a fabulous addition to any room and are fantastic at blocking heat and light.

 

Invest In A Cooling Pillow

 

An often overlooked part of your bedding, your pillows can be a key player in drifting off. While you might be comfortable with your regular options, changing out your pillow for a more seasonal option can make a difference. While switching your entire bedding set can be slightly costly, changing your pillows for a long-lasting and cooling option can be much more affordable.

 

 

The Fine Bedding Company Breathe Pillow is a wonderfully breathable option, perfect for summertime. Filled with an exceptionally light fibre, this pillow gets rid of moisture to ensure a temperature regulated sleep, so you won't have to worry about waking up stifling.

 

Creative Air Conditioning At Home

 

As we said, ensuring that your space is nice and cool when it comes to bedtime is a great way to dodge sleep problems. One of the biggest downsides to living in the UK during the summer is our lack of air conditioning. If you're not sure how to cool down in the summer, you aren't alone. Often the closest we get to temperature regulation is an electric fan, so we're usually left with the option of getting creative with homemade remedies.

One way to emulate the cooling experience of air conditioning is by placing an electric fan in front of a bowl of ice. This might seem a little rudimentary, however, it's a clever way to cool down your home before hopping into bed for the night.

Another easy way to stop your bedroom from feeling too scorching is simply by opening your windows. This is obvious, however, cross ventilation can be used to add a welcome breeze. All you have to do is open windows, or doors, that are opposite one another. Leave one opening slightly wider than the other to ensure air passes through easily.

 

Switch Out Your Winter Bedding

 

When it comes to the winter months, we usually opt for cosier bedding. Whether you prefer fluffy options or waffle bedspreads, sleeping through long cold nights is much easier when you're wrapped up warm. However, when the weather gets a little warmer, it's important to switch out your bedding for lighter alternatives!

The Fine Bedding Company Breathe Duvet

is a great option for the summer months, with clever climate control technology that keeps you cooled down while you sleep. While choosing the right duvet makes a large difference, you can always opt for a good mattress protector. A copper sheet works by absorbing moisture and providing a cooler sleep surface.

 

 

 

 

No matter the mattress protector or duvet you go for, choosing cotton bedding is always a must. Soft cotton sheets like the Laura Ashley Seersucker Bed Set help to keep you cool while you sleep, and also stop you from overheating.