How to sleep in a hot bedroom

Your body cools down naturally at night to help you fall asleep. But if your bedroom is too warm, that cooling process gets disrupted. That’s why a hot room can make it harder to nod off and stay asleep through the night.

Common causes of a hot bedroom include:

• South-facing windows that let in sunlight all day
• Poor ventilation or insulation
• Warm air rising to upper floors
• Heat-retaining materials like memory foam mattresses

Sunlight streaming through your windows may look lovely but it’s heating your room like a greenhouse. Close blinds, curtains or shutters during the hottest part of the day to keep indoor temperatures down.

Ditch the heavy duvet. Instead, choose breathable materials like 100% cotton sheets, bamboo pillowcases, cooling mattress toppers and gel pillows. Moisture-wicking fabrics can also reduce night sweats and help regulate body temperature.

Bedroom shutters act like a barrier between your room and the sun. They help block heat from entering during the day and offer ventilation at night. They’re great for street-facing bedrooms because they give privacy and help absorb sound, and the tilted louvres mean you can adjust the airflow and reduce need for fans or air conditioning. Plus there’s the added bonus that they add style and value to your home.

Drinking enough water throughout the day helps your body cope with heat at night. Avoid alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, as they can dehydrate you and raise your core temperature.