Summer Sleep Tips: Creating a Relaxing Summer Sleep Sanctuary
Summer is just around the corner, and while those sunny days are great for beach trips and barbecues, they can make getting a good night’s sleep feel like a battle against the heat. But don’t sweat it—we’ve got a few cool ways to turn your bedroom into a relaxing summer sleep sanctuary, so you can enjoy the warm nights just as much as the sunny days.
Cooling Your Bedroom for Sleep
When the outside temperatures climb, your bedroom doesn’t have to follow suit. Here’s how you can keep things cool in the bedroom to get the restorative sleep you need:
- Optimize Air Flow – A well-ventilated room is essential during the summer. If you don’t have air conditioning, having a fan is key! Place them across the room to create a steady flow of air and consider an exhaust fan to help pull the hot air out of your room or consider installing a ceiling fan.
- Block Out the Sun – As pleasant as sunshine can be, it’s not as welcome when it turns your bedroom into a greenhouse. Use blackout curtains to keep out those early morning rays and their heat, helping your room stay dark and cool.
- Adjust Your Thermostat – If you have air conditioning, keeping your room at a cool 65-72°F (18-22°C) during the night can help your body hit the perfect temperature for a good night’s sleep.
Choosing the Best Sheets for Summer Sleep
The right bedding can make or break your summer sleep routine. Just like swapping your wardrobe to fit the summer heat, adjusting your bedding to suit the season is equally important. Here’s a guide to choosing sheets that are comfortable and conducive to a cool night’s sleep:
- Go Natural – Heavy sheets can trap heat and make it hard to sleep in the summer. Switch to breathable materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo. These fabrics are great at wicking away moisture, helping you stay dry and comfortable.
- Consider the Weave – A lightweight percale weave is perfect for muggy summer nights. It’s more breathable than sateen and keeps you cool by allowing air to flow freely through your bedding.
Creating a Relaxing Sleep Environment
Having a space that helps you wind down and offers a reprieve from the busy world is critical to align with your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Here’s how you can enhance your bedroom to be the ultimate comfort zone:
- Pick Your Outfit – Opt for pajamas that are lightweight and breathable. Comfortable, moisture-wicking, and loose-fitting fabrics will help with airflow to prevent overheating. Nothing says you can’t skip the pajamas and sleep all natural!
- Minimize Noise – Longer days could mean more activity outside your window. If neighborhood noises or a bustling household keep you awake, consider a white noise machine to drown out the disruptions.
- Soothing Scents – Introduce calming aromas like lavender to your bedroom with diffusers or room sprays. These scents are known for their relaxing properties and can help soothe you to sleep.
- Set the Scene – Create a calming bedtime ritual. Whether it’s reading by a soft lamp, meditating, or jotting down thoughts in a journal, winding down before bed can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
Keep Cool All Night
Even after you’ve set up your summer sleep sanctuary, there are a few more tricks to help you stay comfortably cool all night. These extra measures can lend a helping hand with keeping your cool while you sleep:
- Stay Hydrated – Keep a glass of water by your bed to stay hydrated throughout the night, especially if you sleep with a fan or air conditioning, which can dry out the air.
- Use Cooling Gadgets – Explore bedding with cooling properties like pillows and mattress pads. These clever products for hot sleepers can greatly improve your comfort on warm nights.
Summer should be full of fun, not sleepless nights spent fighting the heat. Turning your bedroom into a cool, comforting oasis, you can escape the summer heat and improve your sleep quality. You’ll find that with a cooler room, comfy sheets, and a calming atmosphere, those long summer days will be even more enjoyable –because great days start with great sleep!