There’s little wonder as to why so many of us actively look forward to the arrival of summertime. The abundance of sunshine, clear skies and warm temperatures present a stark contrast to the bitter cold and general gloominess of the winter months. However, despite all of its pluses, summer weather stands to adversely impact the quality of your slumber. Since proper sleep is crucial to success in every area of life, it’s imperative that you make it a priority throughout the summer, when getting a good night’s rest can prove difficult in areas saddled with extreme heat. So, if your summertime sleep quality is suffering and you’re unclear as to why, the following culprits could be to blame.
Window Issues
Unbeknownst to many troubled sleepers, windows are at the heart of a variety of summertime sleep issues. For instance, a fair amount of cool air is liable to escape from your windows throughout the summer months. Not only can this make your sleeping space uncomfortably warm, it also facilitates the need for your AC to work harder, thereby leading to heightened cooling costs. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can nip window-based problems in the bud.
For starters, you should consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Per their name, these windows contain multiple panes and are designed to prevent indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering. Energy-efficient windows can also prove useful – and cost-effective – throughout the winter season by effectively sealing in warm air. So, if you live in an area known for frigid winters, upgrading your windows stands to benefit your sleep quality year-round.
Secondly, excessive sunlight can impede your sleep quality on several fronts. Given how early the sun rises in the summer, having your bedroom filled with sunlight in the wee hours of the morning can be a hindrance to those of us who like to sleep past dawn. Needless to say, if your bedroom is located in an area that regularly receives heavy amounts of sunlight, sleeping through the early morning hours is likely to prove challenging. In the interest of minimizing the amount of sunlight that’s able to find its way into your sleeping space, consider outfitting your bedroom windows with special sun-blocking curtains. While these curtains may not block out the sun entirely, they will dramatically reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your room. If you’re not keen on the idea of replacing your current curtains, blackout screens can function as a cost-effective alternative.
Improper Bedding
If you use the same bedding year-round, your seasonal sleep quality is likely to be poor. Using lightweight bedding throughout the frosty winter months or heavyweight bedding throughout the sweltering summer months will pave the way for many uncomfortable nights. So, if you want to avoid spending summer nights drenched in sweat, take care to invest in lightweight summertime bedding. When shopping around for the right sheets and comforters, keep an eye out for options that offer fantastic breathability, like lightweight linen and cotton. Furthermore, if you’re currently in the market for new summertime sleepwear, look for pajama tops and bottoms made from lightweight cotton.
Lack of a Ceiling Fan
No summertime sleeping space should be without a high-quality ceiling fan. If your bedroom regularly becomes uncomfortably warm, hugger ceiling fans can be invaluable cooling aids. To enjoy a refreshingly cool breeze throughout the night, simply adjust the fan’s blades to spin counterclockwise, as this will ensure that air gets blown downward. Additionally, if the temperatures in your area drop overnight, opening your window and allowing your ceiling fan to circulate it throughout your bedroom can provide you with cool and comfortable sleeping conditions.
It’s impossible to overstate how important proper sleep is to basic functionality. In the absence of a peaceful night’s rest, navigating the waking world can prove equal parts stressful, frustrating and exhausting. For those of us who are sensitive to extreme temperatures, sleeping soundly throughout the summer is often easier said than done. Fortunately, maintaining a high quality of slumber during the balmy summer months no longer has to be an uphill battle. Putting the previously discussed tips to good use can set the stage for months of top-notch rest.
