AN EXPERT has revealed how to get a good night's sleep during a heatwave – and the answer is not sleeping naked.
As Brits are told to prepare for a mini heatwave with temperatures soaring this weekend, one sleep psychologist has shared five tips on how to relax during nighttime.
Offering a helping hand, Suzy Reading, a psychologist specialising in well-being, is here to answer your burning questions.
From the food we eat to the materials we choose for our bedding, the whizz insisted there are multiple factors to keep in mind this summer.
Let's get naked?
Suzy, who chatted to Kudd.ly, said: “I’d recommend opting for loose fitting, airy, light garments in natural fibres such as cotton, silk, eucalyptus or bamboo.
''I wouldn’t recommend sleeping naked, as much as this might appeal, because sweat then collects on your skin rather than being absorbed by the fibres of your clothing and cooling you down.''
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She added that contrary to what many may think, light sleepwear will keep you more comfortable and promote better sleep.
What to eat – and what to avoid
According to the whizz, it's best to avoid food that's spicy or high in fat – this is because it will increase your body temperature.
Suzy said: ''It’s helpful to avoid alcohol which diminishes the quality of sleep and causes micro wake-ups that you might not be aware of but leave you feeling depleted even after a decent number of hours of sleep.''
''Be careful with fermented foods like teriyaki or soy sauce, tofu, and miso, also citrus fruit, cured meats and aged cheeses; these contain the amino acid tyramine, which can increase brain activity and make it harder to fall asleep.''
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Sharing the bed with your partner
It may be tempting to sleep in a separate bed from your partner – and Suzy insisted this won't affect your relationship.
But as for many people, this just isn't an option, the pro shared an alternative.
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''A simple way to more effectively optimise your personal sleep environment is to use separate coverings so you can tailor it to your preferences and reduce the possibility of bed time tug-o-wars.''
What are the best materials for your bedding?
When sleeping during a heatwave, Suzy advised to opt for lightweight natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk or bamboo.
''Colour can make a difference too – choose lighter shades, neutrals, pastels and whites for their airy, peaceful feel.
''Lighter shades reflect daylight and stay cooler unlike darker colours that absorb light and heat coming through your windows,'' she added.
Does taking a hot bath before bed actually work?
As well as using a cooling facial mist kept in the fridge, Suzy recommended enjoying a bath in the evening.
''Taking a bath 1-2 hours before bed has been scientifically shown to help you get to sleep – it works by drawing your core heat to your extremities where it is released.
''While the warmth of the bath is relaxing, it's the dissipation of core body heat when you get out that actually promotes sleep.''
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