5 Creative Tricks to Beat the Summer Heat and Get a Good Night’s Sleep!

As the weather heats up and the season transitions from spring to summer, the inevitable is coming: It’s going to get hot and sweaty! Which also means that getting quality sleep might feel like a sticky task (pun intended).

Before you crank the AC down to 60 degrees and brace yourself for a horrifying electricity bill, check out these strategic and unique ways to chill out your bedroom and your body. You’ll sleep cool and comfortably all summer long, and won’t break the bank!

1. Build a "DIY Air Conditioner" to Stay Cool

Running a fan costs exponentially less than running an AC unit. But did you know, there’s a hack to create chilly air with it? Grab a mixing bowl, fill it with ice cubes or ice packs, and place it directly in front of a table fan or floor fan. As the ice melts, the fan will blow the chilled, evaporating air across your room, creating a surprisingly effective, refreshing micro-climate right next to your bed. You’ll enjoy air circulation, and the fan doubles as a white noise machine too!

2. Sleep Closer to the Ground - on Cotton Sheets

It’s basic science: heat rises, and cold air sinks. If your bedroom is on the second floor of your house, it’s going to be significantly hotter than the ground floor. During those oppressively hot days and heatwaves, relocate to a carpet-free area downstairs - your den, guest room, couch, or even the basement (with tile, laminate, or concrete flooring) will work great. If you live in a single-story home or apartment, pull your mattress off its frame and put it directly on a non-carpeted floor to help beat the heat.

And be sure to outfit your bed with 100% cotton percale sheets. Percale is incredibly breathable, moisture-wicking, and has that crisp, cool-to-the-touch feel that hot sleepers crave. Other fabrics (like tightly woven sateen sheets or synthetic blends like polyester) trap heat and restrict airflow, keeping you hot instead of cool.

Check out our Heritage American Sheets if you need a set of breathable bedding that’s perfect for summer.

3. Cool Down Your Skin Naturally 

Another way to keep cool while cutting costs is to use aloe vera. It’s not just for sunburns - it has many uses! Keep a bottle of the gel in your fridge. Right before bed, slather a thin layer on your arms, legs, and shoulders. Aloe absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves a lingering, cooling sensation. Plus, it won't leave your sheets feeling greasy like heavy lotions will. You’ll feel less hot, and you’ll get a healthy dose of natural moisturizer as well.

Peppermint is another plant that has great cooling properties. Drink a glass of peppermint iced tea at dinner or try using a natural peppermint body wash during your evening shower. The natural menthol tricks your skin receptors into feeling a wave of coolness, providing a refreshing, icy sensation on your skin.

 

4. Lighten Up Your Covers and Pillows

Pack away the layers, heavy duvet, and winter comforter! Switch to a lightweight, breathable cotton blanket or coverlet (like our Heritage Blanket) to keep your bed as cool as possible.

Additionally, take a look at your pillow. Down and feather pillows are fantastic insulators, which is the last thing you want around your head in July. Your head can retain a significant portion of your body heat. If your head feels too hot, you won't sleep well. Upgrade to a cooling, adjustable fill pillow that allows heat to dissipate by your noggin!

Check out our Custom Comfort Pillows - designed to give you and your partner a customized pillow that helps you sleep great.

5. A Cold Bath and Pulse Points

Cooling your feet is one of the fastest ways to bring down your body temperature. Draw a quick cold water bath of 2-3 inches, just enough to cover your feet. Dump a bucket of ice in and get those phalanges ice cold! Your feet house a dense network of blood vessels that will continuously cool the blood circulating throughout your entire body.

Not in the mood for an ice plunge? You can also fill a water bottle with cold water and toss it in the freezer during the day. At night, place it at the foot of your bed. Your toes will have a mini AC unit, and it will help you stay cooler and sleep better.

And did you know? Your body has several "pulse points" where blood vessels are closest to the surface of your skin. Applying cold directly to these areas will drop your overall body temperature incredibly fast. Keep a few ice packs or a bowl of ice water and a washcloth by your bed. Apply the cold to your wrists, neck, ankles, the insides of your elbows, or behind your knees for instant relief.

Do you have a secret trick for staying cool at night? Let us know in the comments below!