Sleep Soundly in the Heat of Summer: 10 Cool Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s that time of year again! While we all adore the long, sun-drenched days of a New Zealand summer, the balmy nights can often turn your cosy bedroom into a sauna, making a decent night’s sleep feel like a distant dream. 

At Snug, we believe a great night's sleep is essential, no matter the weather. So, if you’re tossing and turning in the heat, we’ve researched and found 10 top tips to help you catch those precious zzz’s when the temperature soars.

1. Chill Your Bedding

For a quick blast of cool, pop your pillowcases or even your fitted sheet into a plastic bag and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes before bedtime. It’s a simple trick that offers immediate, albeit short-lived, relief as you drift off.

2. Master the Power of the Fan

Don't just point a fan at yourself; use it to create a cross-breeze. Position one fan facing out of your window to pull hot air out of the room, and another positioned to face inwards to circulate cooler air. For an extra boost, place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan to blow chilled air over you.

3. Stay Hydrated, But Not Too Much

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body temperature down. However, try to limit your fluid intake in the hour or two before bed to avoid waking up for a bathroom break.

4. Take a Lukewarm Shower

A quick, lukewarm (not cold!) shower before bed can help your body cool down. A cold shower can actually be counterproductive as your body works harder to warm up, but a tepid rinse will lower your core temperature and wash away any sweat.

5. Opt for Breathable Bed Linen

Ditch the heavy duvet and switch to 100% cotton or linen sheets. These natural materials are breathable and excellent at wicking away moisture, helping your skin stay dry and cool throughout the night.

6. Sleep Like an Egyptian

This classic trick involves lightly dampening a sheet or a large towel with water and using it as a blanket. The evaporation process will help keep you cool. Just be sure to protect your mattress from moisture with a dry sheet underneath!

7. Close the Curtains and Blinds

During the day, keep your curtains, blinds, and shutters closed, especially on windows that face the strong New Zealand sun. This blocks out the sun’s rays, stopping your room from overheating and turning into a greenhouse before you even get to bedtime.

8. Turn Off Electronics

Any electrical device, from your laptop to your television, generates heat. Switch off and unplug non-essential electronics in your bedroom to minimise unnecessary heat output.

9. Focus on Your Pulse Points

Applying a cold compress or a simple ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your pulse points can rapidly cool your entire body. Focus on areas like your wrists, neck, elbows, and behind your knees, where blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin.

10. Move Your Sleep Location

If your bedroom is unbearably hot, remember that heat rises. Consider temporarily moving your sleeping arrangement to the coolest spot in the house, such as a ground-floor room, the sofa, or even a spare room that faces away from the sun.

Looking for a more effective way to cool your home this Summer?

Installing a Rinnai Pro Series Ducted Heat Pump System gives you control of the temperature in every room in your home. Enjoy a good night’s sleep whatever the temperature outside with Rinnai’s efficient heating and cooling technology. Designed to work efficiently in New Zealand’s hot summers, come in store today and find out if it’s suitable for your Hawke’s Bay home.