Summer is finally here, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. While summer can be a wonderful season filled with fun activities, it can also bring some sleep struggles for many people. High temperatures, humidity, and increased daylight can all make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, leaving you feeling tired and groggy during the day.
Common Summer Sleep Struggles:
If you’re struggling with sleep during the summer months, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to improve your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common summer sleep struggles and share some tips to help you get better rest during the hot months.
Hot Temperatures
One of the most significant sleep struggles during the summer is high temperatures. Your body temperature naturally drops as you sleep, and hot weather can make it difficult for your body to cool down. This can lead to restlessness, tossing and turning, and difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Humidity
Humidity is another common sleep struggle during the summer months. Humidity levels can make the air feel heavy, making it harder to breathe and leading to restlessness and discomfort.
Increased Daylight
Longer days and shorter nights during the summer months can interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to sunlight can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
What To Do For Better Sleep:
- Keep Your Bedroom Cool: One of the best ways to combat hot temperatures is by keeping your bedroom cool. Set your air conditioner to a comfortable temperature or use a fan to circulate the air. You can also try using a cooling mattress pad or pillow to help regulate your body temperature.
- Reduce Humidity: To reduce humidity levels in your bedroom, consider using a dehumidifier. You can also keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night to allow for better airflow.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary by creating a relaxing environment. Use blackout curtains, a sleep mask or shades to block out sunlight, and invest in comfortable bedding that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
- Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Even though the days are longer during the summer, it’s important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with your sleep, especially when consumed in the evening. Avoid drinking these beverages before bed to help improve your sleep quality.
- Take a Cool Shower: Taking a cool shower before bed can help lower your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep. You can also try placing a cold washcloth on your forehead or the back of your neck to help cool down.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration, which can interfere with your sleep.
These struggles can make it difficult to get the rest you need to feel your best. By implementing some of the tips we’ve shared in this blog post, you can create a sleep-friendly environment that will help you get better rest during the hot months.
Additionally, using a Sound Oasis sound machine can help create a soothing and calming environment, helping you relax and fall asleep more easily. The sound machine’s sound options, such as the sound of ocean waves or a babbling brook, can also create a mental association with cool and refreshing environments, which can help lower your body temperature and promote better sleep.
