It can be really hard to sleep on a hot summer night. This is particularly true if you’re on the top bunk, since warm air rises. The good news is that there are several things that you can do to stay cool on the top bunk.
To stay cool on the top bunk, you need to focus on both keeping yourself and the room as cool as possible. Some of the best things you can do include choosing cotton pajamas and bedding, using ice packs, arranging fans to cool down the room, and keeping light out as much as possible during the day.
If you find any of the above strategies intriguing, read on to see exactly why they are effective.
Choose cotton pajamas and bedding.
Many people like the feel of silk or satin pajamas and sheets. However, these are not the best choice for a hot night. Cotton pajamas are much more comfortable since the fabric allows for much more airflow. Some people might think it’s a better idea to wear nothing at all, but cotton is actually better; this is because natural cotton will absorb sweat. It’s also best that the cotton pajamas you are wearing are loose, allowing a lot of space for air to flow.
The same is true for the linens on which you are sleeping. If you can find sheets that are 100% cotton, this will be ideal. Avoid thick blankets and duvet covers, and realize that man-made fabrics such as acrylic and polycotton will not conduct as much heat away from your body.
Cool down your sheets.
One thing that might help you fall asleep is to put your bed linens in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed. Put them in a plastic bag first, to prevent them from absorbing any of the smells inside your freezer or getting wet. This won’t keep you cool all night, but it’ll help at the beginning, and it might just help you stay cool long enough for you to fall asleep.
Another good idea is to moisten a towel or sheet in cool water and use that as a blanket. This will help keep you cool for longer. You do need to remember to put a dry towel or sheet under your body so that you don’t end up soaking the mattress.
Use ice packs.
For a great makeshift ice pack, invest in a hot water bottle, such as the Relief Pak Hot Water Bottle. A few hours before you go to sleep, put it in the freezer. When you are sleeping, you can put it around your feet or wherever else you feel you need to be cooled down. A good bonus is that you’ll be able to fill it up with boiling water in the winter and use it to keep your feet warm.
Relief Pak Hot Water Bottle, 2 quart CapacityIce packs and cold compresses are particularly effective at pulse points. If you apply them to your neck, wrists, elbows, groin, ankles, and behind your knees, this can be a very effective way to stay cool.
Arrange fans effectively.
You may have noticed that using a fan isn’t always very effective and just ends up blowing hot air around the room. In order to maximize the effectiveness of your fans, you need to arrange them in the appropriate places. Here are a few suggestions:
- Keep a fan across from a window. This will allow you to bring in cool air from outside.
- Point box fans out the window. This way, the fans can push the hot air out.
- Place a shallow bowl full of ice in front of a fan. The fan will then blow a cool mist around the room.
- Hang a wet sheet in front of your fan. This can allow cool air to blow around the room.
- Open as many doors and windows as you can while your fan is running. If possible, keep your bedroom door open while your fan is running.
If you are in a home with many rooms, you can utilize the tips in this video.
Use different materials for your pillows.
A cool pad pillow topper can help keep you cool at night. These can not only keep you cool but also add an extra layer of plush and comfort to your bed. One fantastic option is the HI FINE CARE Cooling Pillow Pad, which will cool your head when it’s over or under your pillow.
Buckwheat pillows are another good option. These don’t absorb heat the way down and cotton do.
Minimize light in the room.
Light bulbs generate heat in the building. This is why it’s a good idea to leave them off as much as possible, especially right before bed. Take advantage of natural light as much as you can.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should be letting all the natural light into your room, either. When temperatures outside are very hot, sunlight can really heat up your room during the day. Blackout blinds or curtains can be very effective in keeping this light out and keeping a room cool. Keep these blinds or curtains up whenever you are going to be gone or otherwise don’t need light in your room.
Drink cool water and eat cool foods.
Try to avoid eating hot meals late at night. Instead, eat foods that are cool or room temperature, such as salads. You should also keep in mind that turning on the stove or oven is going to generate heat in your building as well.
Also, it’s better to eat a small light meal at the end of the day. This is easier to metabolize than a heavy meal, meaning it won’t take a lot of energy for your body to break down. This translates to your body being less likely to get unbearably hot at night.
Drinking cold water before bed is also helpful. It’ll keep you hydrated, which helps compensate for sweating on a hot night. It can also help lower your body temperature at night.
Take a cold shower before bed.
A cool shower before bed can be very effective at lowering your body temperature. It can also make you more comfortable because it washes off sweat.
Interestingly, a warm bath can also be helpful. A study in Sleep Medicine Reviews showed that taking a warm bath 90 minutes before bedtime can help cool you off. This is because the warm water will send a rush of blood to your hands and feet, which will allow your body to release heat and cool down your bloodstream.
Sleep in spread-eagle position.
If it’s possible to sleep alone, this is ideal for someone who wants to stay cool at night. Another person in the bed will add their body heat to the heat you’re already experiencing. In addition, if you sleep alone, you have a lot of space to stretch out. If you sleep in a spread-eagle position, meaning your arms and legs aren’t touching, this is ideal for minimizing body heat and allowing air to circulate around you.
Conclusion
Being too hot at night can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. All you want to do is sleep, but you are just too uncomfortable to do so. However, now that you know of nine fantastic ways to keep yourself and your surroundings cool at night, you should be able to have much happier and more restful summer nights.
Nicole Sutton is an enthusiastic writer and knowledgeable contributor to TemperatureMaster.com. She offers a plethora of knowledge to the platform, with a background in environmental science and a profound curiosity with all things connected to temperature regulation. Nicole’s interesting and informative writings assist readers in making informed decisions about home heating, cooling, and climate control.