(Even More) Tips for Beating the Summer Sleeping Heat

Scorching temperatures are just around the corner. Depending on where you live, they might already be upon you. Which means longer, sweatier days, and even warmer and damper nights. With all of the growing humidity it can be impossible to remove all of the moisture from your home, even with a new and efficient AC unit. But instead of fighting the inevitable, why not take a few tricks that will help cool your home on its own … without jacking up the electricity bill?

Start by getting a dehumidifier. These things can do wonders, especially in upper levels of your home, where ACs have a harder time to reach. And because heat rises, there’s even higher temps lurking in those upper corners. Pick up a few dehumidifiers at the local department store and let them give your electricity bill a break. 

You should also make sure your AC unit is clean and working as efficiently as possible. Hose off any debris from the outside of your model and clear out air vents so that your cool breeze can easily flow into the house. Fans, dehumidifiers, and more should also be dusted every few weeks as well to keep air flowing as freely as possible.

Another little-thought-of tip is to keep pets off the bed. Though you can be thankful for their added heat come winter, summer will have you kicking them to the floor. It might be nice to cuddle, but just think how much extra heat their bodies are bringing to the bed. Make them a spot on the floor instead to help cool down instantly. 

Finally, remember to cool yourself off as much as possible before bed. Take a cold shower or drink a glass of ice water for a quick, yet efficient, way to drop your body temperature and get it ready for a restful night. 

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Can you multi task while napping?

The art of napping has long since been seen as a way to catch back up on the day. A proven way to kick back and relax. Whether tired from a poor night’s sleep or just from a full morning of work responsibilities, napping can allow you to get the boost of energy that’s needed to check off the rest of your to-do list. No matter the length of time, napping can provide more energy and just enough rest to give you a second wind. 

But is that all there is to napping? What if you could actually multi task while laying down for rest?

According to a new study, it’s not only possible, it’s regularly being practiced. When dozing, students – of all ages – are learning a new language by listening to pre-recorded tapes. And, according to the scientists, napping actually helps boost their brain activity to learn even faster. The research also shows that listening to these new words while sleeping can help you to better associate them with your native language. Essentially, it’s letting the brain relax its way into learning a new language. A more efficient, more enjoyable process. 

The students also agreed to a more enjoyable language learning process, having studied a language before in a classroom setting. (Though they were either tested on a different language or had their progress measured throughout the study.)

While the research was performed strictly for academic purposes, it’s the scientists’ thoughts that language learning while napping will soon be a common trait. And considering it doesn’t hurt to nap, it’s likely the trend might catch on. Not only can naps offer a quick – and enjoyable – way to recharge one’s energy level, they can now be used as a great way to multitask. Especially for the most tedious of academic tasks.  

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Tips for Staying Cool During Sleep

When trying to get comfortable, almost nothing kills the mood as quickly as sweating. It makes for a sticky, hot mess that keeps sleep at bay – if not altogether impossible to reach. Which is why, rather than fighting the heat each time you lay down for bed, you should look for ways to stay cool throughout the night. 

From adjusting your sleeping wardrobe to strategically placing fans, remember to enlist the help of these simple tips. Not only do they allow you to keep from cranking the air, they’re far more cost effective than upping your energy usage each time the temperature rises. (Especially for hot sleepers, who experience night sweats even in the mildest of temps.) 

The next time the forecast suggests a heat wave in the near future, look to these simple, helpful solutions instead. 

Get new pajamas – Rather than lying hot in traditional garments each night, consider an upgrade that’s specifically designed to remove heat. Use silk or breathable fabrics to keep warmth from occurring through the body. Or, look for moisture-wicking versions that remove sweat as quickly as it forms.

Bedroom fans – From the smallest size (that can be pointed directly at one’s face), to a larger oscillating or ceiling one, fans can greatly reduce the temperature of a bedroom. Experiment with different types and styles to find the one that best meets your cooling needs. 

Bed cooling products – Like pajamas that remove heat and moisture, these same qualities can be found in the bed. Coat your mattress in a heat-fighting cover, sleep on a pillow that promotes cool temps, or consider sheets that remove body heat as it’s formed. 

Wash your sheets – For whatever reason, nothing feels quite as good (or as cool) as freshly cleaned sheets. To keep this cycle working in your favor, remember to wash often. Cold showers before bed can also cool the body’s core temp, which can act as an added bonus when settling into your freshly cleaned bed.

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