How To Beat The Heat And Get Some Sleep

Jul 29, 2020

Wondering how to beat the summer heat while you sleep? It’s so hard to fall asleep in a room without AC, especially on those days when the nighttime low is still in the lower 80s. And it’s even harder to fall back asleep after you’ve woken up at 1 a.m., soaked in sweat. So, how can you fight nature and get a cooler sleep without waking up twice a night to stick your head in the freezer?

Several super-easy ways! Here are our 10 favorite ways to sleep cool through the dog days of summer.

1. Choose Cotton Bedding for Cooler Comfort

For starters, make sure you have cotton sheets, as polyester and other materials are more likely to trap heat within your bedding. Synthetic fabrics don’t feel too comfortable against the skin when you get hot and sweaty, either, so they’re just a complete no-go when the temperatures start to head north.

Cotton allows for some ventilation and circulation of air, and sheets with a high thread count, like those you’ll find at Custom Mattress Factory, are soft and long-lasting, making them a great long term investment for future heat waves.

A custom, fitted set of sheets for your mattress can make a lot of sense, too, since a perfectly smooth surface is far cooler to sleep on than when fabric gets bunched up under you.

2. Stay Hydrated During the Day

It might seem obvious, but make sure you are drinking lots of water throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate your core temperature, and a glass of cold water is a quick and healthy way to cool down. If the idea of a cold shower before bed seems too extreme, consider doing a 10-minute foot bath in cool water instead.

There’s nothing wrong with keeping a glass of water ready to go on the nightstand, and since it’s just water, the risk if spilling isn’t that big of a deal. But if you’re still worried, a custom mattress protector is all you need to rest easy (and cool).

3. Bring an Ice Pack to Bed.

So you’re tossing and turning in bed, but it’s too hot to fall asleep? If you’re desperate, try placing an ice pack under your pillow. That way, you can flip your pillow throughout the night and have a cool side to sleep on when one side gets too hot.

You will also be able to easily grab the ice pack to put against your face, neck, or wrist when your body gets too hot. If you don’t have an ice pack at home, don’t give up yet! You can make your own ice pack at home without too much trouble.

4. Use the Incoming Breeze

If you’re relying on an open window rather than a fan or AC, you can try hanging a lightweight wet towel or sheet over your window to create a cool breeze. Avoid using overhead lights or stoves that give off heat, as this can cause rooms to quickly become warmer.

It also never hurts to wear lightweight pajamas when it’s hot out, but managing the airflow of your sleeping area is a big and sometimes easy win.

5. Choose a  Memory Foam Mattress

At Custom Mattress Factory, you’ll find memory foam mattress constructions, including the trademarked CustomFoam, that sleep perfectly cool. We'll help you design a cool, comfortable, custom mattress to suit your needs.

If you live in a warmer climate, this sort of foam is ideal since it does not retain heat, making it a good choice for those who need help staying cool at night. Custom latex foam mattresses are also worth considering, since they’re just as breathable while also being hypoallergenic.

6. Don’t Eat Too Close to Bedtime

This goes for drinking, too. If you give your digestive system things to do while you’re sleeping, your body temperature won’t be able to lower, leading to a hot, stuffy sleep.

Try not to eat or drink any alcohol 2 hours before you want to go to bed. This’ll ensure everything is already down the digestive tract so your body can properly regulate sleeping temperature once you turn in.

7. Put Your Sheets/Pillowcases in the Freezer

If you don’t want the shocking cold of an under-the-pillow ice pack, you can simply place your sheets and pillow cases in the freezer for a couple of hours. When you go to make your bed and hop under the covers, they’ll stay nice and cool for a while. If they’re cotton, even better.

8. Create a Cross Breeze in Your Room

Sometimes the AC isn’t cutting it, and the heat isn’t so much about the temperature as it is about airflow. Create a cross breeze in your room with a fan or 2 windows across from each other, one set to blow air in and the other set to blow it out. It’ll create a cool breeze that should help keep you comfy throughout the night.

9. Keep Your Curtains Closed During the Day

You’re probably not going to be in your room anyway, so why not? A good way to reduce heat transfer from the outside is to use heavy curtains and keep them closed during the day. Light means heat, so keeping it out during the day will give your bedroom a chance of retaining the night’s lower temperature.

That way, when you do head to bed, you’re already a leg up. Plus, blackout curtains ensure there’s no light intrusion at night, further helping you sleep better.

10. Strip Down to Sleep Better

Or at least ditch the tight clothes and synthetics. Loose clothes (or no clothes) are best for sleep, because they don’t interfere with your body’s natural cooling processes and temperature regulation throughout the night. Just like with your sheets, go with cotton when you’re picking out your PJs or sleepwear.

Keep Cool in Any Heatwave with Custom Egyptian Cotton Bedding

Be prepared for the summer’s heat before it hits this year by making your bedroom into the cool sanctuary you deserve. Cotton, ice, bed linens, and a cooling, comfortable, custom-fit mattress are all musts.

Egyptian cotton sheets are breathable, light, and quick to dry. A custom bed set that includes a cooling custom foam mattress, high thread-count cotton sheets, a matching comforter, and pillow cases can completely revamp how you sleep when it’s warmer at night than you’d prefer.

Browse Custom Mattress Factory’s custom bedding to learn more.