The mercury’s rising all over the country, with some places in the south hitting real heatwave temperatures — hotter than the Caribbean, even!
We’ve previously spoken about protecting your pets as the weather warms up, and taking care of your garden.
But what about looking after yourself?
One of the main complaints people have during a heatwave is how difficult it can be to get to sleep at night.
I know I’ve been having trouble!
According to the NHS, lack of good quality sleep on a regular basis doesn’t just leave you irritable and unable to concentrate — it can also leave you more susceptible to a range of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
So what can we do when we find forty winks hard to come by?
Resist that afternoon nap
This is tough at the best of times, especially since we’ve all been spending an extended period at home this year.
But napping during the day will often make it harder to drift off at night.
So try keeping yourself busy. Why not read the latest issue of the “Friend”?
Use thin sheets
If you’re used to things being a little chillier at night, then chances are you have a pretty thick duvet/sheets. And maybe even an extra blanket or two!
It goes without saying that these will do you no good in a heatwave. Make sure you invest in some thinner bed clothes.
You won’t regret it!
Stay hydrated
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day (though not just before bed!)
Being dehydrated is uncomfortable, and can make it difficult to relax enough to get to sleep.
Be sure to lay off the caffeine late in the day, though, as this will have the opposite effect to the one you want!
Stay calm
Not being able to sleep can be a frustrating experience. Unfortunately, the more frustrated you get, the less likely you are to get some much-needed shut-eye.
So if you find yourself awake at all hours, try getting up and doing something calming. Here are some activities “Friend” readers suggested on our Facebook page recently:
“I find that trying to do complicated maths in my head sends me straight to sleep!” — Theresa C.
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“I have a drink of tart cherry juice, read my PF then snuggle down to go to sleep” — Louise C.
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“I always come down and do my family tree on the computer. I can’t just lay.” — Lorraine W.
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“I go to bed with a tennis racket in my brain, and when unwelcome thoughts try to sneak in I smash them out till my head is empty.” — Mary C.
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“The problem with counting sheep is I lie awake waiting for the following Border Collie.” — Philip S.
Some of these suggestions might work better than others, so be sure to give them all a try if you’re still struggling at night!
For more health advice from “The People’s Friend”, click here.
Iain McDonald I am the Digital Content Editor at the “Friend”, making me responsible for managing the flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine’s website and social media channels.
