Whether you are excited for the warmer summer months or dreading the lack of air-conditioning in your home, we all need to adapt to the changing seasons. For some, that means sprucing up the house, while others taking time off to enjoy the outdoors. If you happen to live in tight quarters without cooling, we have a few tips to help keep you cool.

Sunblock

Firstly, to maintain a cooler temperature in your room, keeping the strong rays of the sun out is your priority. Using black-out curtains or thicker window dressing instead of sheers, will not only keep the heat out but the bright sun from waking you earlier than you need! The thicker your drapes are, the more effective they will be in resisting the sun’s harmful rays, and play double-duty for keeping the winter cold out!

Nowadays, manufacturers understand consumers’ concerns about the harmful effects of the sun as well as being energy-conscious, they are creating fashion-forward designs to match any decor. Gone are the golden-coloured motel black-out curtains from back in the day!

The environmental issues that we currently face are affecting how and what consumers are buying so many industries are on board in making it simple, affordable and fashionable. Opting for aluminum blinds that now also come in many colours is a great idea as well, as aluminum can reflect up to 88% of the sun’s rays, ultimately cooling your room down dramatically.

Move the Air Around

If you do not have a window mounted AC unit, keep the doors to all the room opened throughout the day: this way, air circulation is possible, especially when you open a few windows to create a breeze. Closing off a room entirely during the day is a sure way to make it warm, humid and surely adds to a sticky sleep. Through the night, however, it would be in your best interest to let the cool air into your room; so open up a window!

One fan can make a world of difference and two guarantee a better night’s sleep. When you strategically place them around your bed, you can quickly move the heavy humid summer heat away from you. By placing something cold like an ice pack or wet towel in line with the fan’s airflow will noticeably chill the air. A constant flow of cold air to your face while sleeping is not healthy, however. Place a fan so that you are getting indirect airflow; that way you won’t wake up with a headache or sore throat typical of a night in the freezing cold.

Cooling the Body Temperature

A lukewarm to cool shower just before bed will help drop your body temperature and maintain it long enough for you to fall asleep on your cool cotton sheets! Wearing comfortable moisture wicking night wear will also help make your sleep more comfortable.

Summer nights are not that far away, be prepared with smart tips and techniques for enjoying your summer rather than suffering through it! Strategically blocking out unwanted rays while still enjoying the hazy days of summer are achievable. Moving that heavy and sticky air around, done! Bring on summer!!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert