Temperatures are expected to climb sharply across the UK this week, with some areas forecast to top 30C. Warm days may be welcome, but the heat can feel far less pleasant overnight, especially when you are trying to sleep in a stuffy bedroom.
For anyone worried about getting enough rest, a sleep specialist says there is a simple trick that may make a difference. It is also something many people may already do without thinking.
Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, a sleep therapist and resident sleep expert at MattressNexttDay, says one of the most effective ways to drift off during hot weather is to keep your feet cool.
She explained that the body typically needs to lower its core temperature by around one to two degrees Celsius in order to start and sustain healthy sleep cycles.
When a room is too warm, the body can find it harder to shed excess heat, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Pennicotte-Collier said the feet can play a surprisingly useful role in helping the body cool down.
Because the feet are important areas for heat release, exposing them to cooler air can help the body regulate its temperature more effectively.
That means simply slipping your feet out from under the duvet could help you cool down and nod off more quickly.
Natalie said exposing the feet to cooler air encourages heat loss through the skin, supporting the body’s natural cooling process before sleep. In short, it is a small bedtime habit with solid sleep science behind it.
“We actually need a subtle temperature difference between our feet, core body and head to support healthy sleep. Keeping your feet slightly cooler while your core stays warm signals to your body that it’s time to sleep, making it easier to drift off.”
