Hot sticky summer nights can make it impossible to get a good night’s sleep, unless you crank the air conditioner up. But you’re back to sleepless nights again when you see your utility bill! Thankfully, there are other ways you can sleep cool this summer; here are 10 energy efficient tips to help you sleep in the heat.
1. Freeze Your Sheets
Sound crazy? It’s not! Put your sheets in plastic bags and stick them in your fridge or freezer for a few minutes. It’ll cool you down and make it easier to fall asleep.
2. Convert Your Hot Water Bottle into a Cold One
If freezing your sheets is a little too much, then use a hot water bottle instead. Fill it with cold water, stick it in the freezer and voila! You have a bed-friendly ice pack.
3. Use Your Fans Creatively
Instead of having your fans blow hot air at you all night, use them to draw the hot air out. Face box fans window-side out, so they can push out hot air. Set ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise; this way, the blades will pull hot air up and away, instead of pushing it down and around you.
4. Make Your Bed into a Cool Bed
Take a towel or sheet and dampen it in cold water. Use it as a blanket or cover. To avoid soaking your mattress, lay the towel(s) or sheet over dry ones first.
5. Choose the Right Sleepwear
If you’re a pyjama person, then opt for loose fitting, cotton t-shirts, shorts and underwear. They’re comfortable, and let air circulate so you stay cooler.
6. Make Your Own Air Conditioner
Take a shallow pan, bowl or roasting tray and fill it with ice cubes. Place it in front of a fan; the breeze will pick up cold water from the ice cubes’ surface as they melt to create a cooling mist that will head your way.
7. Create a Cross-breeze
Place a fan across from a window so that outside air combines with air generated by the fan to create a cross-breeze. Generate more airflow by setting up multiple fans throughout the room.
8. Cool off with a Cold Shower
Taking a cold shower before going to sleep can work wonders! The cold water will not only cool down your core body temperature, but also wash off sweat so you can go to bed feeling cool and clean.
9. Avoid Using the Stove
Cooking on your stove or using your oven generates heat, which warms your home. Great for winter, but not so much in summer! So try making foods that can be consumed at room temperature, and are cooling. Good examples are salads and cold soups (e.g., gazpacho). Also, because the body produces more heat from digesting warm heavy meals, smaller light dinners also help keep you cooler.
10. Unplug Your Electronics
Electronic gadgets and small appliances generate heat if they’re plugged in – even when not in use. By unplugging the ones you’re not using, you can reduce the amount of heat in your home and save energy.
A home that’s not energy efficient is not only more expensive to run, but also more uncomfortable to live in (too hot in summer; too cold in winter). To find out how to make your home energy efficient, contact a certified RESNET Home Energy Professional.