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Woman lying sprawled across a bed in a warm bedroom, illustrating discomfort and difficulty sleeping during hot summer nights.

Struggling to sleep in the heat? Here’s some tips that may help those restless nights.

Trying to sleep in the heat can feel impossible. You may have done your usual wind-down, you’re exhausted, but the second your head hits the pillow you’re too hot, too restless, and totally fed up.

You’re not alone, so many people I support find their sleep takes a hit when the weather warms up. But there are ways to make it easier, and you don’t need anything fancy. Just a few small tweaks can make a big difference.

Here are some of the things I find genuinely help:

 

Woman lying awake on a bed with sheets pushed aside, illustrating discomfort and restless sleep during hot summer nights.

 

1. A lukewarm shower before bed.

 
This one’s underrated. Not freezing cold (which can have the opposite effect), but a comfortably warm shower can help your body cool down naturally afterwards. It signals to your brain that it’s time to start winding down.
 
2. Keep your sleep space light and breathable.
 
When the temperature rises, heavy bedding can make sleeping even harder. I swap to lightweight sheets made from breathable fabrics; cotton, bamboo or linen are great options. They let air move more freely and help with sweat so you’re not waking up in a hot, sticky mess. Loose pyjamas or even just underwear can make a big difference too.
 
3. Let air flow do the work.
 
Creating airflow can make a big difference. If it’s cooler outside in the evening, open your windows to let fresh air in. Place a fan across from the open window to help pull the cooler air through the room. No open window? A fan facing outwards can help push the warm air out. If you’ve got a second fan, pop it near the bed to keep air circulating around you while you sleep. 
 
4. Keep hands and feet uncovered.
 
This is a game-changer. The palms of your hands and soles of your feet are natural heat regulators. Keeping them exposed while you sleep allows excess heat to escape more easily. If you’re someone who usually tucks up under the covers, try letting your feet out; you might be surprised how much it helps.
 
5. Close the blinds during the day. 
 
Keep curtains or blinds shut during the sunniest parts of the day to stop the room from becoming too hot. Then, in the evening, if it cools down outside, open the window to let some air in before bed.

6. Stay hydrated (but not right before bed).

Make sure you’re drinking water regularly throughout the day. When you’re dehydrated, sleep quality can take a hit. That said, ease off an hour before bed to try and prevent a 3am trip to the loo!

 

7. Be kind to yourself.

Some nights you’ll still feel too hot and uncomfortable, try not to panic or obsess about getting the ‘perfect’ night’s sleep. Even just lying in bed, resting, and breathing slowly will help your body reset. Trust that better sleep will return.

Woman standing under a shower with water running over her hair and shoulders, illustrating a cooling shower to help the body relax and prepare for sleep during hot

Summary.

 

Sleeping in the heat is never easy, but with a few simple tweaks, you can make bedtime far more bearable. From cooling showers and breathable bedding to airflow tricks and staying hydrated, these small changes really can make a big difference to how rested you feel. And remember, it’s not about perfect sleep every night, it’s about giving your body the best chance to relax and recover. Be kind to yourself, keep experimenting with what works for you, and trust that better sleep will follow.

Kerry Davies
  • Kerry Davies

  • Kerry is a passionate sleep expert dedicated to transforming lives through better rest. Known as 'The Sleep Fixer', Kerry's journey began with her own sleep challenges as a mother. With over 14 years helping families, professionals, and individuals, Kerry combines evidence-based sleep science with compassionate, practical guidance.

    Her expertise is built on solid foundations, having completed training at two prestigious sleep schools certified by the British Medical Journal and is an active member of the British Sleep Society. Her commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that her advice is grounded in the latest sleep science research.

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