How to Sleep Cool This Summer

Warm, humid air might lull you to sleep in a hammock on a tropical vacation, but there’s not much worse for sleeping in your own bed than a sweaty summer night. Sleeping hot generally amounts to very little sleep. Check out our top tips for beating the heat this summer and getting a cool night’s sleep.

Find your optimal room temperature

Body temperature and sleep do have some relation to each other. And while your ideal bedroom temperature somewhat depends on you, the optimal room temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your body temperature drops to initiate sleep, and you can facilitate that by lowering your thermostat settings by a couple of degrees about an hour before bed.

Eat for the heat

Depending on the food, eating a meal can make you feel hot. And if you eat a large meal, the energy required for the digestive process can slightly raise your body temperature. High protein foods require more energy to break down, so in the summer, try eating smaller meals more often. Plan to eat earlier in the evening, and eat foods that help you feel cooler. Hey, here’s your excuse to go grab an ice cream cone.

Let there be less light

Close your blinds or your curtains during the heat of the day, especially in western-facing windows. Blocking the sun will help keep your living space cooler during the day, save you some money on your electric bill, and make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your bedroom in the evening.

Cool off before bed

If your A/C can’t keep up with the heat, try taking a shower in room temperature water. If you get the water too cold, your body might start warming up to counteract the drop in core temperature from the shower, cancelling out the cooling benefits.

Don’t undertake a strenuous outdoor workout during the heat of the day, and make sure you drink plenty of water. Ice water on your nightstand might help you cool down before you get into bed or during the night, if you wake up sweating.

Keep it cotton

If you really heat up at night, sleep in loose, cotton clothing with one sheet. You could always try sleeping in your birthday suit, but if you tend to sweat at night, you might prefer a layer of moisture wicking clothing between you and your sheets. Cotton — a natural fiber — allows for lots of air circulation while wicking away moisture. Avoid synthetic fabrics, which don’t breathe as well, for your summer bedding.

Upgrade your bed with the latest mattress technology

New mattress technology has built-in cooling mechanisms in the form of advanced gels and fibers. For example, our CarbonCool™ by Wellsville mattress combines the thermal conductivity of graphite-infused memory foam with the temperature regulation of Omniphase™ material to make sure you stay at a comfortable sleeping temperature all night long.

Give us a call or come by your local Mattress Man store to test out high-tech mattress features like these.