While the warmer weather currently being enjoyed by the UK is good news for many, it can also wreak havoc on sleep quality.
Given that such high temperatures are so rare in Britain, it is not cost-effective for most households to install air conditioning units such as those found in hotels or holiday homes. According to Which? experts, these units use as much energy in one hour as a fridge does in a day.
Fortunately, there are cheaper ways to stay cool. However, one common mistake people make during hot nights could actually make you feel hotter.
Consumer experts have put together a guide to help those who struggle with the heat, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, the Mirror reports.
Many people spend hours tossing and turning in bed, changing duvets and blankets and searching for the elusive cool side of the pillow. Even the presence of an electric fan does not always help to fall asleep.
As a result, some may believe that the best way to stay cool at night is to stay in underwear, a popular method of sleeping regardless of the weather.
However, experts suggest that sleeping naked might not be the best way to stay cool. Instead, they recommend wearing thin, loose cotton clothing that can act as a sweat absorber, increasing the surface area for evaporation and helping you feel cooler.
In addition to wearing appropriate clothing, eating certain types of foods during a heat wave can also help cool us down.
During hot weather, cold salads, cold soups, pre-cooked meats and quiches, and fruit (especially melon and citrus) are quick and easy foods that do not require cooking, thus avoiding further heating of the house by using the stove or oven.
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