6 ways to beat the heat in your bedroom this summer
With summer now underway in earnest, Australians can expect warmer, drier conditions as the season continues, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. If you look forward to summer nights with dread, however, due to the lack of air circulation, influx of bugs and stifling heat as you retire each night, short of moving your entire bedroom out on to the balcony, there are some things you can do to beat the heat at night.
1. Block out the heat by day
Adequate window coverings are key to keeping the heat out during the day and maintaining an even temperature indoors for maximum cooling efficiency. Particularly in bedrooms that receive direct sunlight, draw curtains, shutters and blinds against the heat during the morning and middle of the day, opening them up to allow cool breezes later on.
2. Create good air flow
Ensure you have fresh air circulating in the room. This works two-fold to keep bugs at bay and provide an optimum temperature for sleeping. Whether you choose air conditioning or ceiling fans, consider your options carefully and invest in a solution that is energy-wise and sustainable for the long haul – summer after summer.
3. Install fly screens
There’s nothing better than a cool breeze at the end of the day and ideally, you’ll be able to take advantages of summer breezes as they hit in the afternoon and evenings throughout the warmer months. Fixing fly screens to your windows means you can throw open your windows with abandon and without fear of the arrival an army of flys and mosquitos.
4. Choose breathable bed linen
Changing out your heavy bedlinen for cooler options makes for a healthier and much more comfortable sleep. Opt for natural fibres in your sheeting such as linen or cotton over polyester blends and put away your heavy quilt in favour of a knitted cotton blanket or coverlet for when the nights are a little cooler, but not actually cold.
"The hardworking natural fibres of pure 100% French flax linen regulate temperature and adjust accordingly, making them cool in the heat and toasty when it’s cold."
Genevieve Rosen-Biller
5. Drinking water
This may sound obvious, but having a handy supply of drinking water at your bedside means you’re more likely to rehydrate through the night with ease. Lying in bed thirsty is no way to spend the night!
6. A cool shower before bedtime
Whether it’s your habit to shower in the morning or at night-time, a shower just before bed and leaving your skin a little damp when it's a particularly hot night works wonders to keep your body temperature down and aid rest.
You might also like:
5 tips for a beautiful bedroom
