Why some of us can’t sleep properly is one of those thousand dollar questions. There are tips and tricks, and hacks and old wives tales, but the problem persists. We’ve looked at beds, at light, at diet, avoiding stimulants, relaxing, and unwinding. The TV has gone and the smart stuff is vanished. The result can be measured by this morning’s unravelling at 4.30 am. As I emerged from the duvet, I recognized something that just might make the difference: I was too hot. I looked into it and found there is, in fact, a direct correlation between insomnia and body temperature.
It doesn’t matter about the season. Our bodies are hardwired to protect our brains. That’s a fact. Come winter summer or fall, cold or hot, our brains cannot vary their temperature. In fact any slight variation can bring on all sorts of complications. In effect our bodies are an amazing air conditioning unit. But, that heating up or cooling down means we can get uncomfortable. At night because we are asleep, the drop or rise in temperature wakes us up. It can mean a compromise but we need to think a little about how we can keep the bedroom cool.
Open the windows. Maybe just a bit. I’m aware this starts a whole new chapter on creepy crawlies, bugs and well, any unwelcome visitors really. The cat who decides to forgo the cat door on the ground floor bedroom could be a problem. There can also be an issue with noise. Opening the window might not be the right solution for you. Insect screens and security grills are an option. You can also fit locking devices that allow the window to say open and secure.
Fans and other swirling devices. We’ve stayed over with a friend who relies upon a series of fans to keep her house and bedrooms cool. Ceiling fans tend to make me a little nervous to be honest. Although it can be a welcome relief to feel a nice breeze, I don’t really want the distraction or the noise.
Cooling systems. We’re more used to these in warmer climates, but air conditioners have come a long way in the last decade. They are energy efficient, super quiet, and adjustable. This means you can get the right temperature for everyone to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Deep Chill provide air conditioning and that is a good place to start. Besides which air conditioners are not just about cooling. They are about maintaining the right temperature all year round.
Make your bed and lie on it. If you’re sleeping on foam pillows, or have a winter mattress liner on your bed, you are going to feel too warm. You might consider what you are wearing as well. Cotton is always going to be cooler than a manmade fabric. Wearing nothing could be an option. And, as for the husband who is way too cold whatever the weather, perhaps buying him a pair of fluffy holiday socks will do the trick.
If you are one of the many who suffers from insomnia, you will have tried a number of solutions. They may well have worked for a time but if you are still suffering, it might just be worth adjusting the temperature and seeing how things go.
Photo by Emilio Peña Martínez
Author information
The post Cool Ways To Get More Sleep appeared first on Chispa Magazine.