Finally the summer has arrived. We are enjoying hot days and mild evenings. But, once the outdoor temperatures get too high and the heat accumulates in the bed room, recreational sleep seems to be far away and in the mornings we are feeling absolutely whacked. Dr. med. h.c. Guenther W. Amann-Jennson, Austrian sleeping expert and author, reveals how we still can fall asleep easily and have a recreational sleep.
Why is it hard for us to fall asleep during heat?
The human body temperature has to decrease 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius to fall asleep easily. Our body automatically lowers our core temperature by giving off heat through the skin. But, when the outside temperature is too high this isn’t working anymore. The result is, we are not able to fall asleep, we toss and turn and wake up drenched in sweat, again and again. This leads to a superficial sleep out of which we wake up in the mornings feeling absolutely whacked.
Are we having a better sleep when we cool down our body?
Already during the day the motto has to be: cool down your body, from inside out. During the summer heat we need much less energy. Out of this reason we should change our nutrition: a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
At the same time, the amount of our fluid drunk should be doubled. I advise, to drink about three to four liters fresh water, preferably unsweetened soft drinks or ice tea. It is not advisable to take ice cold showers before going to bed. Although it feels refreshing at the first moment, the cold water stimulates our metabolism and the body additionally warms up from the inside – which really is counterproductive when the room temperature is already high. Luke warm to warm showers on the other hand give the body a warm feeling and hence the body switches to cool down.
Does it make sense to escape into air-conditioned rooms during the days of summer heat?
Normally not, since air conditions are completely unbalancing our body rhythm with their relatively low temperatures. Much more important would be to take care for low temperatures in the bed room by closing the window shutters and the windows during the day and air the room well early in the morning or late in the evening.
Is it possible to make a contribution to good sleep with our “bedding material”?
Absolutely. My recommendation is a bedding content that suites summer temperatures. Especially well proven are covers filled with natural sheep wool. Sheep wool is able to absorb the body’s humidity and heat fast and to immediately release it into the air again. By doing so, it takes care for an ideal dry bedding climate.
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