We have noted before that consistently good sleep is vital for mental and physical well-being; poor sleep can compound mental health struggles and make recovery more difficult. Of course, getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging in its own right. This is particularly true in the summer, when hot, sticky weather can keep you from getting comfortable.
To combat this, we put together a few practical suggestions you can do to improve sleep even when the weather is hot and humid.
First, make sure you are making the most of your summer days. When it is sunny and clear outside, it is ideal weather for physical activity. Take advantage of summer weather and go for a jog, a walk, a bike ride or a swim. The more you work out in the sunshine, the readier your body will be for sleep.
Keep things cool. Whatever it takes to make your room nice and chilly—preferably around 65 degrees—try to do it. Crank up the air conditioning. If you are concerned about high utility bills, invest in some box fans, and maybe even crack open a window. You need a cool space to get some sleep.
Pick the right sleepwear. Make sure that whatever pajamas you wear are cool, comfortable, and not at all restrictive. Again, do what you need to do to be comfortable.
Unplug your electronics and turn off your phone. The blue light that emanates from your phone and your tablet can disrupt your sleep cycle. Try to unplug at least an hour before bedtime; read a book or put on some relaxing music instead of playing on your phone.
Good sleep does not always come on its own. Implementing these tips may help you prepare in advance for a good night’s sleep. You will find that as your sleep cycle improves, you will feel better and healthier.
Share this article with anyone you know who’s struggling with sleep!