This week, the UK is preparing to face another heatwave, with temperatures set to reach as high as 30ºC in some parts of the UK. Heatwaves can wreak havoc on your internal body temperature, which is why it can be so challenging to drift off to sleep during the summer.

 

The Met Office has announced that temperatures are set to climb throughout the week, which means that your sleep schedule is likely to be impacted by the warmer weather in the coming days.

Getting a good night’s sleep during warmer weather is essential for your body’s ability to regulate its temperature and protect both your physical and mental health. Sleep is crucial in supporting the healthy function of the immune system, so you should be looking to always maintain a healthy sleep schedule – even during a heatwave.

 

Online searches for ‘How to fall asleep fast’ have risen by over 40% over the past few days, coinciding with the UK’s dose of warmer weather.

 

Trying to fall asleep during a heatwave can be stressful, which is why experts at QR Code Generator have offered some essential tips on how you can fall asleep quickly during the warmer weather.

 

Have a hot shower before going to bed

 

While it may feel more natural to have a refreshing, cool shower before heading to bed during a heatwave, it’s actually recommended to do the opposite. Getting in a cold shower before going to bed can end up energising you, keeping you awake for longer, and making it increasingly difficult to fall asleep. This is because cold showers can trigger the release of endorphins, which can help boost energy levels.

Instead, having a warm or lukewarm shower in the evenings can help to relax your muscles, allowing you to drift off to sleep more easily. A warmer shower can also help you to release heat more easily through your hands and feet, helping you to cool down more quickly. While cold showers are a great solution in the short-term, having a hot shower is more likely to improve your sleep quality during hotter weather.

 

During the warmer weather, it’s recommended to have a warmer shower at least an hour before going to bed. This allows your body to successfully cool down in time so that you can drift off to sleep more easily.

 

Shower in the evenings, not in the morning

Whether you do end up opting for a cold or lukewarm shower, it’s essential to switch to having an evening shower during the warmer weather. If you tend to shower in the mornings, then this can actually end up disrupting your sleep schedule during a heatwave. Showering at night can help to remove the excess oils that have built up during the hottest parts of the day, allowing you to feel cleaner and more relaxed before heading to bed.
Thanks to this week’s heatwave, the Met Office has also warned Brits over rising pollen counts over the next few days. If you suffer from hay fever, then showering before bed is going to be essential over the next few days. A late-night shower can help to remove any pollen that has stuck to your hair, skin, or clothing throughout the day, helping to relieve hay fever symptoms. This will also prevent any pollen from getting stuck to your bedding or pillowcases, helping you to fall asleep more easily. Hay fever can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule, especially during a heatwave, which is why it’s so important that you switch up your evening routine to avoid aggravating symptoms.

 

Try out the viral ‘sleep divorce’ trend

 

If you actively use social media, then you may have seen the viral ‘sleep divorce’ trend pop up on your ‘For You’ page. This involves couples sleeping in different beds or rooms to improve their quality of sleep. Sleeping next to your partner during a heatwave can be stressful, thanks to the combined levels of body heat. This prevents your body from being able to cool down naturally, making it increasingly challenging to get a comfortable night’s sleep.

 

A lack of sleep can make you prone to irritability and stress, which explains why sleeping separately from your partner during a heatwave can end up benefiting both your sleep schedule and your romantic relationship.

 

Marc Porcar, the CEO of QR Code Generator, has commented: 

 

“It seems almost like an understatement to say that a fair few Brits will be struggling to sleep this week. With temperatures set to hit 30ºC in some parts of the UK over the next few days, it’s essential that you take some of these tips on board to get a good night’s sleep during the heatwave.

 

“Sleeping during warmer temperatures can be incredibly challenging, which is why many people may find themselves becoming stressed or irritable during a heatwave. It’s important not to let the warmer weather affect your sleep schedule and ensure that you’re making healthy lifestyle choices over the next few days to help get a good night’s sleep.

 

“Make sure that you’re avoiding carb-heavy meals shortly before bed and avoid eating any spicy foods during the warmer weather. In order to reduce spiking your body’s temperature shortly before going to bed, it’s also wise to avoid drinking alcohol during the evenings. Avoid looking at your phone for at least an hour before going to bed to ensure that you’re not causing any further havoc to your sleep schedule during the week.”

 

 

This information was provided by experts at QR Code Generator.