{"id":32895,"date":"2024-07-23T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-23T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=32895"},"modified":"2024-07-22T20:16:36","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T20:16:36","slug":"how-to-sleep-in-a-heat-wave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-in-a-heat-wave\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Ways to Sleep Better During a Heat Wave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Coming from Texas where heat waves are notorious even during what are supposed to be cooler seasons, I can attest the high temperatures and humidity<\/a> are difficult to endure, especially at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the 2018 National Climate Assessment<\/a>, daily extreme temperatures are predicted to increase substantially in the US. As temperatures continue to rise, it can be incredibly uncomfortable to get a good night’s sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, learn more about how heat waves affect sleep and how to sleep in a heat wave.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How heat waves affect your sleep and health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0optimal temperature range for a comfortable night\u2019s sleep<\/a>\u00a0is\u00a0between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This better aligns with your body’s lower core temperature at night. (ICYMI, your body naturally regulates its core temperature throughout the day,\u00a0lowering it one or two degrees in preparation for sleep at night.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But during sleep, your brain takes a break from regulating your body temperature. So, you must depend on the external temperature of your environment to help you stay asleep. A\u00a0room too hot (or too cold) can prevent and disrupt your sleep\u2014and that’s especially the case during a heat wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat waves could also pose some health risks. Dehydration due to loss of fluids is one of the most common issues. (Here’s\u00a0how to make sure you’re drinking enough water<\/a>\u00a0so you can sleep well at night.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other serious issues like exhaustion and stroke can also occur during a heat wave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe body\u2019s inability to regulate internal temperature and eliminate heat gain in such conditions increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke,” explains\u00a0the\u00a0World Health Organization<\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0“The strain put on the body as it tries to cool itself also stresses the heart and kidneys. As a result, heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, high temperatures during a heat wave can trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Research shows high temperatures can lead to feelings of anxiety<\/a>, irritability, agitation, and even cognitive impairment. High cortisol levels<\/a> can also negatively affect sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to sleep better during a heat wave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are steps you can take to sleep better during a heat wave. Here are eight tips to try if the high temperatures are making it difficult for you to catch Z’s.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Invest in cooling bedding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n