Photo of Qaqamba Falithenjwa

Tips to staying warm while sleeping

We are probably in one of the strongest winters (if there is even such a thing), so cold that even the blankets don’t do the job of warming us up properly.

I get that there is an option of using a heater to warm up the house but what about when you are in bed and maybe you have been there for about an hour and you still feel cold?

Let’s look at some suggestions by experts on how to combat the sharp cold of the night.

Use an electric mattress pad: The Sleep Enlightened publication claims that when it comes to staying warm, an electric mattress pad has a few advantages over an electric blanket. “Your body and the sheet and blanket on top of you will hold in the heat from an electric mattress pad, whereas a lot of heat generated by an electric blanket simply radiates upward.” Furthermore, the publication states that because an electric mattress pad sits flat and won’t bunch up like a blanket, it is often safer from overheating.

Put on socks before going to bed: Science has demonstrated that wearing socks to bed improves sleep quality. According to research that was published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, individuals who wore socks to bed slept for 37 minutes longer than those who didn’t. “If you tend to have cold extremities, wearing socks to bed helps regulate body temperature, a prerequisite for a good night’s sleep.”

Insulate windows: Sleep Enlightened further suggests that you cover your bedroom windows with thermal, insulated blackout curtains to keep your bedroom warm at night and create an optimal sleep environment. It is also stated that this will save you money and reduce energy consumption.

Use hot water bottles: According to the AmeriSleep publication, you can place hot water bottles at your feet for toasty warmth. You have the liberty to also move the hot water bottle around to specific areas that you want to warm. The publication warns though, that you do not place it directly on your skin to prevent burns.

What you can do before going to bed to ensure long-lasting warmth while you sleep is;

Taking a bath: The Adjustable Bed Factory suggests that taking a bath helps in controlling our body temperature, which is necessary for a restful night’s sleep. “There’s a hormone called melatonin, the sleep hormone that gets woken up which actually helps you sleep.”

Preheating the room: It is also advised by the above source that you heat your bedroom a few minutes before going to bed by using a portable heater and remember to switch it off before you sleep.

 

Also see: Look warm and stylish with this winter collection

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