Hello heatwave: 3 things to try if you’re struggling to sleep in the heat

This week has been a hot and sticky one.

And don't for a second think we are complaining about the summer sunshine – we are not. But can we agree that trying to get to sleep in this heat is a little less fun? We are not spoilt with heatwaves in this country, meaning that when temperatures do creep up into the high 20s, we are tossing and turning to find some cool so that we can finally drift off. The problem? Even if you do manage to fall asleep, sleeping in high temperatures also mean that you are more likely to wake during the night, meaning, of course, you are not getting the quality sleep you need to function properly the next day. Luckily, there are things you can do to help you sleep better in the heat: 1. Give your sheets a spritz of water Don't soak them, but having your sheets feel slightly cool and a little damp against your skin will make it easier to fall asleep. Tip: If you get get your hands on lavender essential oil, add a drop or two of this to your spray, and trust me – you'll sleep, no matter how hot your bedroom is. 2. Wear the right thing to bed It might be tempting to strip off everything and sleep in your birthday suit when the temperatures soar and your bedroom feels like the air is standing still. However, you might be far better off not doing this, and instead opt for a pyjamas set (shorts and a top is a good choice) in pure cotton (opt for organic cotton if possible). Why? Because cotton will let your skin breathe, and ensure that any sweat is soaked up, rather than left on your body. 3. Rinse your feet and wrists It's a strange one, but experts swear it actually does work. Rinse your feet and wrists under icy cold water before going to bed, and your whole body will feel cooler, helping you drift off to sleep faster. Have YOU got any tips for how to sleep when the weather is hot and sticky AF? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @herfamilydotie (Feature image via Ellos.no)