Expert shows exact position you should sleep in to keep cool during heatwave

24 June 2024, 11:29

TikTok shows hack for sleeping in a heatwave

By Naomi Bartram

@naomibartram

The best sleeping position to keep cool during the heatwave has been revealed by an expert.

Things are starting to hot up in the UK, with some areas reaching 30C temperatures over the next few days as a heatwave is on its way.

We've seen some chilly temperatures this June, however as summer starts and the pollen season continues to plague hay fever sufferers, many of us will be experiencing extreme temperatures as a heat health alert has been issued for the coming days.

While many of us are enjoying BBQs and trips to the beach, trying to sleep in this heat is becoming unbearable. So, in a bid to help the nation get a good night’s sleep, founder of mattress and pillow brand Levitex, James Leinhardt has shared his top tip.

• Listen now on Global Player, the official Heart app: Take That: This Life

Taking to TikTok, James asked: “How can you sleep when it’s this hot outside?”

He then went on to share charts showing the warmest parts of both a man and woman’s body which are the forehead and the bottom of the spine.

• Read more: What should I do if I see a dog locked in a hot car?
• Read more: Is it too hot to walk your dog and can you give your pooch ice cubes to cool them down?

"Think about the best position to sleep in to reduce the heat from these areas," he said.

"Of course - it’s ‘the dreamer’ yet again. If you lie in this position then you have the least amount of contact of your body to the bed, so heat will naturally fire away much quicker than if you’re lying [on your back]."

The ‘dreamer’ position is a semi-foetal side position with an additional pillow between your knees to provide more support.

This comes after experts from Bed Kingdom also shared a list of tips and tricks to help keep you cool during the hot weather.

"Summer is a very disruptive time for sleep," they said, continuing: "With longer daylight hours and elevated temperatures, people are always searching for ways to keep cool," an expert said.

"While fans and bedding can be important, keeping cool at night is something everyone can do on a budget.

"Sleeping in less clothing or keeping blankets and duvets pulled back can be some of the easiest ways to get a good night's sleep in the summer months."

Experts suggest that other ways to keep cool is to sleep like a starfish which increases the surface area for sweat to evaporate and cool you.

Heat rises so the coolest part of a room or house is closest to the ground which means it could be beneficial to sleep on the lowest floor of the house.

Keeping blinds and curtains closed to block any unwanted heat transferring, while a light cream or white colour is better at absorbing the heat.

• Read more: 8 simple and cheap ways to cool down a room during a summer heatwave
• Read more: Spanish holiday destination considering water restrictions for tourists
• Read more: Can you walk your dog in a heatwave and what are symptoms of heatstroke?