Summer is full of memory-making events such as family trips, outdoor activities, ice cream cones, and beach days. However, the bright, beautiful skies may provide steaming hot nights as the sun goes down, making it difficult to sleep. You may, of course, lower the thermostat (if you have central air), but you’ll pay for it on your power bill. Alternatively, you might transform your bedroom’s furnishings into a summertime set that will keep you cool and provide a better night’s sleep.
Make use of lightweight blankets.
Few things beat cuddling up in bed under a thick comforter as the temperature drops in the winter. However, when the temperatures soar in the summer, heavy bedding is the last thing you need. Instead, convert to a light, open-weave, 100 percent cotton blanket for the season.
This nightstand covering is significantly more breathable than a microfiber or tightly woven blanket due to the material and weave. The weight lends just enough to feel secure while being comfortable, especially in the hottest conditions. Choose a light-colored blanket or one with a delicate design to make the space more visually appealing.
Replace your sheets with light cotton or linen.
At the first hint of spring, flannel sheets may be carefully tucked away. When the temperature rises, synthetic bedding should follow suit. Now is the time to splurge on some lightweight 100 percent cotton bedding.
Contrary to common opinion, a high thread count is not required for a good night’s sleep. In fact, high thread counts can be too insulating in the summer (a 400 thread count works best). For the coolest and softest choice, look for sheets made of extra-long staple cottons, such as Egyptian or Pima. Choose linens that are white or a light pastel for a boost of psychological cooling.
Relax Your Pillow
A hot, sweaty pillow forces you to turn from side to side all night in quest of comfort. Instead, place a gel-filled cooling mat on top of your pillow for an always-comfortable place to rest your head. The thin mat, which is intended to fit on top of a normal pillow, is packed with the bouncy gel found in reusable ice packs.
You won’t even realize it’s there because the pad is moldable. Place the mat in the fridge or freezer soon before night for an extra cold head. Even if the pad is kept at normal temperature, the interior gel feels significantly colder than the surrounding air, wicking heat away from your body.
Purchase a Bedside Fan
If you want a pleasant summer breeze but don’t want to spend money on air conditioning, consider a modest bedside fan or a ceiling fan. A small fan perched on your nightstand or dresser directs the wind just where you need it.
To avoid the steady flow of air from drying up your nose and throat, place a dish of ice cubes and cooled water in front of the fan. To cool down the entire room before going to bed, turn on the ceiling fan to remove the heated air that has accumulated up above.
Make the air more humid.
Summer provides dry, arid air to areas such as the Southwest. The moisture from your skin, eyes, and throat is absorbed by this air. Even in humid climates, central air conditioning may significantly reduce interior humidity, leaving you thirsty. Use a humidifier to offer exactly the right amount of moisture to keep you cool and comfortable. Run it near your bedside and change the water every day to prevent mold growth.
Select a Lightweight Duvet.
Sleeping beneath down seems paradoxical when the temperature rises. A lightweight, low-fill-down duvet, on the other hand, can keep you cool. The “fill” refers to the number of feathers included within the duvet. Duvets with 400 to 600 fill power function best all year in four-season areas.
However, if you run hot or live in a subtropical region, a duvet with a fill power of less than 400 is preferable. Lightweight duvets often include more feathers than down; feathers are less insulating and more permeable than down, making them a great choice of fill for the humid months. For an overall breezy atmosphere, finish your summer bedding with a duvet cover in a light hue or a plain design.
Convert a Hot Water Bottle to a Cold Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is commonly used to warm the body. That doesn’t mean it can’t be filled with something interesting instead! Simply keep your water-filled rubber bottle in the fridge throughout the day and slide it under your blankets at night. Use it to chill your feet, tuck it between hot knees, or position it behind your neck to cool your entire body. This is also an excellent approach for menopausal women to avoid terrible heat flashes.
Close the drapes or blinds.
Those window coverings have a purpose more than merely looking nice in the window. They assist keep the heat of the day out of the room by closing throughout the night when you’re ready to sleep. If the morning or afternoon light shines through the windows, just close the blinds or other window coverings to keep the space cool.
Remember that sheer curtains will not help. Invest in light-colored blinds or drapes, or black-out curtains, to help keep the heat out. You may always open them after the sun has moved in a different direction.
Use Energy-Saving Bulbs
Replace your old light bulbs with fresh, more efficient ones. While LED lamps produce heat, it is far less than that produced by incandescent bulbs. Remember to turn out all lights as you leave the room. Every little bit counts and energy-efficient lights save money on your power bill.
Repair any cracks around the windows.
If your windows are not properly sealed, cold air might enter through the crevices. Caulk and window stripping wear out and must be repaired or replaced. Making sure the windows are properly sealed is an important step toward keeping the space cool.
Check the windows on the inside and exterior for any cracks in the caulking, which is a solid indicator you need to recaulk. It will not only keep the chilly air inside, but it will also keep the pests outside, where they belong.
Include Reflective Film
In addition to caulking or repairing weather stripping, adding a reflective film on the exterior of your bedroom windows will keep heat out of the room. Light is still allowed in, however, certain UV rays are excluded. Adding reflective film helps to keep the space cooler in the summer and retains heat within the home during the winter. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Keep your bedroom doors open.
Leaving doors to bedrooms and other rooms open will assist maximize ventilation in your house. Consider this: the air conditioner turns on, circulating air throughout the home; if a door is closed, the air cannot easily circulate across all of the rooms. A running ceiling fan or bedside fan also helps to promote air circulation.
Provide Some Shade Outside
Planting trees and plants in front of windows, or building awnings, will give shade, keeping the light and heat out of the bedroom. This, together with closing the blinds or curtains, will help to keep the room cooler.
Make sure that any trees are appropriately placed so that they do not obstruct your view or cause root problems. Trees may give shade for many years to come, and they can also keep you cool when you’re outside.
Replace the A/C Filter
If your air filter becomes clogged with dirt, allergens, pet dander, and other particles, the air conditioner will not function effectively and will run more frequently. A reusable air filter should be washed on a regular basis, while disposable air filters should be changed. This should happen at least once every 90 days, so set a reminder on your electronic device or mark your calendars appropriately.
Your air conditioner will work more efficiently, keeping your home cooler and saving you money on your utility expenses. That’ll appreciate it since it won’t have to keep rushing about attempting to “breathe” through the mess to maintain the right temperature.