QUICK TRICK
How a HOT water bottle can help you sleep through the heatwave – if you use it right
FANS, spray bottles and freezing sheets - Brits will go to all sorts of lengths to stay cool at night during a heatwave.
But it’s unlikely they’ve thought to look for their dusty hot water bottle in the cupboards.
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A hack that has gone viral shows how useful the winter accessory can be in the middle of a scorching summer.
In a clip posted on TikTok that has been viewed more than 2.7 million times in two days, user showed how she uses one to sleep in a heatwave without air con.
It showed her filling up a bottle with tap water and placing it in the freezer.
Once it’s gone hard, she takes it out and wraps it in a tea towel before placing it in her bed.
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The trick isn’t new, but viewers were left astonished they hadn’t thought of it yet.
Last summer, TikTok user gained almost a million views for her video, in which she said she puts the water bottle in the freezer all day before placing it in her bed an hour before her bedtime.
She says: “Put it in your pillowcase, or just rest on it – it’s amazing!”
Warnings
However, Sam did have some warnings for those wanting to try the hack.
She wrote: “Three things – 1) Please don’t do this too often as the ice can damage the seal.
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“2) Only fill it 2/3s up as it expands!!
“3) Be careful of ice burns.”
Other experts have warned of the risks of the hot water bottle hack because the rubber can be stretched and then burst in the future.
This could be seriously dangerous if there is hot water inside.
Rebecca Challinor, a product specialist at the retailer Terrys explained to : “Whilst freezing your hot water bottle can be an effective way to have a better night’s sleep in hot weather, it’s advisable once you’ve done this to no longer use the same water bottle during the winter.”
NHS hot weather advice
- Shut windows and pull down shades when it's hot outside - open windows only when it's cooler
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of day - 11 am to 3 pm - if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Have cool baths and showers
- Drink cold drinks regularly and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drinks high in sugar
- Plan ahead to make sure you have the food, fluids, and medication you need
- Identify the coolest room in your house so you know where to go to keep cool
- Wear loose clothing, a hat, and sunglasses if you go outdoors
- Check on friends, neighbours and relatives who may be less able to look after themselves
- When enjoying the sunshine it's important to protect yourself against harmful UV radiation that can cause skin cancer
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