How to sleep in the heatwave – 12 tips for staying cool in bed in the hot weather

FALLING asleep when it's still sweltering outside can be a real nightmare for many of us.

But help is at hand, as we've got some top tips and tricks on how to avoid baking in bed during a heatwave.

How can I get to sleep in hot weather?

Getting to sleep when it's hot and stuffy can be a nightmare.

You can toss and turn, throw the sheets on the floor and open the window - but sometimes in extreme weather conditions nothing can make a difference.

As Brits we should be grateful for every second of sun we get but if you're craving a few zzzs there are a few ways you can help yourself to drift off despite the heat...

1. Don't go commando

As tempting as it may be, don't whip off your undies just because it's sunny.

Instead, sleep in cotton pyjamas, to let your skin breathe and ensure that any sweat is soaked up, rather than left on your body.

2. Splash your sheets

Giving your bedding a very light misting of water can make all the difference when you're struggling to sleep on a hot day.

Don't soak your bed, but sleeping in some slightly damp sheets could help to cool you down and keep you comfy.

3. Cool your curtains

Another use for your slightly damp sheets involves spraying them with water and then draping them over an open window.

This lets the breeze blow some refreshingly cool air around your room, without the added noise of using a fan.

4. Switch off

Turn off all the plug sockets you can to help keep things cool - and save some energy while you're at it.

Electrical sockets kick out a surprising amount of heat, and they could be the difference between a good night's sleep and a sweaty nightmare.

5. Ice some rice

Make a cold water bottle which won't melt all over your bed by filling a sock with rice, and then freezing it.

Press this against your sensitive pulse points - found on the wrists, ankles, tops of your feet and your temples - to instantly turn the heat down a notch.

6. Watch what you drink

Boozing before bed is never a great idea - but your sleep will be affected even more when it's hot.

Instead, make sure you keep a cool glass of water by your bedside to stop you from overheating in the night.

7. Chill your bedding

If you're really struggling, you can always stuff your bedding in a bag and pop it all in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed.

This will guarantee you the perfect head-start when it comes to getting a great night's sleep, letting you drift off effortlessly even as the mercury keeps on rising.

8. Go it alone

If you usually share a bed with someone, it's time to get ruthless.

It's obvious, but you'll stand a better chance of keeping cool if you have the bed to yourself, and sleeping apart may be the only way to save your sanity.

9. Get low

Hot air rises, so get down as low as you can to make sure you're surrounded by cool air.

Sleep on the floor, or even head downstairs, if you're getting desperate to escape the heat.

10. Rinse your wrists

Washing either your wrists or your feet with cold water before you hit the hay can help you to cool down and drift off.

11. DIY cold breeze

If you place a bowl or tray of ice in front of a blowing fan your room will become cooler as the ice melts.

12. Shut out the sun

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day as a preventative measure to stop your room from overheating.