Top 5 Tips to Beat The Heat and Rest Easy

As we’ve discussed before, getting a good night’s sleep is not a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity to be your best self. Insufficient sleep is linked to depression, ADHD, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Still, the majority of people in the U.S. are not only dehydrated, they are also sleep deprived. Myself included!

I have come to find that I require eight to nine hours of sleep, and that can be hard to accomplish with a busy schedule. I try to give myself at least eight, but sometimes it can be hard to fall asleep, so even though I am in bed for the full time, I’m not necessarily getting eight hours of rest. But man, on those days when I have the luxury to not set my alarm, I wake up feeling like a million bucks.

As summertime arrives, many of us (especially in California) don’t have air conditioning, and getting a good night’s sleep in the warm weather can feel impossible. You know the feeling – when every time you move around, you desperately try to find the cool spots in your sheets?

Cranking up the a/c isn’t necessarily great for your system either; if you don’t routinely clean the filter, you could potentially push more allergens into your room like dust, pollen or pet dander. And the drastic changes from hot, humid air to dry, cool air can irritate sinus issues. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. affecting more than 50 million Americans each year.

Creating a healthy, relaxing environment for sweet slumber is a must for both your physical and mental well-being. So, check out my top tips to beat the heat this summer and rest easy!

Put Your Bedding To Work

Swapping out your sheets can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Plus, it’s a small change that can make a big difference without breaking the bank.

I recommend looking for certified organic cotton sheets because they’re durable and stay crisp and cool. Ditch the flannel or jersey sheets; they’ll just cause you to sweat and you’ll wake up in a damp cocoon (gross). You want lightweight, natural fibers. Check out The Company Store or Alterra Pure.

If you’re on a budget, look for sales, especially around the holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day. At the end of the day, the investment will pay off because you ultimately  spend 1/3 of your life sleeping. If your bedding is made of toxic chemicals, or you’re dealing with allergens from your laundry detergent or the fibers in your bed, it’s going to impact your health.

And don’t forget about your blankets as well. I use a natural down duvet in an allergy-resistant cover that’s certified organic. Make sure the down is 100% Responsible Down Standard certified. In the warmer weather, I swap it out for a lighter blanket or cover, like one made of linen. Linen absorbs moisture to keep you cool during the summer and warm during the winter.

The Best

People often forget about pillows, as if they last forever. Think about the moisture we emit when we sleep (not sayin’ you’re a drooler, but it happens); it’s the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and germs. I recommend dust mite-resistant material like natural latex from rubber trees and natural memory foam over synthetic, down-filled pillows.

And sheep are good for more than just counting! 😉 Wool is also a naturally breathable, moisture and dust-mite resistant fabric you can look into, believe it or not. Don’t worry about itchiness; there are soft options available. (I also use a light wool duvet insert, and I love it.)

Breathe Easy

When you’re ready to make some bigger changes to your boudoir, consider a portable air-purifier. Micro-organisms thrive in humid environments, so this tool will help keep your room clean and your lungs happy. And you can use it year round.

Many models come with a UVC filtration system that kills 99% of air-borne germs with short-wave ultraviolet light! (That’s that little neon-looking glow; it’s not just for aesthetics.) Dyson sells a new combo version that you can access via your smartphone to get notified if pollution levels in your home rise too high.

P.S. You can also install HVAC UV Lights on your a/c units.

What Lies Beneath

It’s more than monsters you need to clear out from under your bed, it’s clutter too! 😉 While there is some debate about this, I agree that it’s just good feng shui to allow the flow of energy to circle around your entire bed. A clear space supports a clear mind and a better night’s rest.

Plus, if you have a ton of junk under your bed (or around your room), it will attract more dust.

If you have to store things under your bed, make sure to neatly store only items that have a function and not a bunch of knick-knacks or things made of toxic materials. Use under-the-bed storage for additional sheets, blankets or sleepwear, and keep that energy contained together.

Build Some Barriers

You may get a lovely lull sound from your air purifier, but a white noise machine is a nice additional investment. Plus, they’re small enough for travel. If you don’t prefer white noise, there are plenty of options with ocean waves, nature sounds or wind chimes – whatever sounds like a natural lullaby to you!

Finally, don’t forget some of my tips for creating a sanctuary in your room, like dimming the lights and removing any traces of work and technology from your line of sight. Or maybe invest in blackout curtains. I also like the idea of eating dinner early enough to digest your food before you lie down and opting for a lighter meal. You know I love rituals, so whatever helps you prepare for bed, practice it consistently!

As my energy healer shared with me, don’t get frustrated if it takes some time to fall asleep. You’re still resting, and it will take time for your body to adjust to make the shift. The bedroom is a no judgement zone.

Do you have trouble sleeping in the sweltering summer? What tips do you have to make it manageable? Let me know in the comments below.

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LOVE + blissful sleep!