How to sleep: five ways to get more shut-eye in hot weather

Getting to sleep is something everyone has struggled with at least once. Tossing and turning, while glaring at the clock, it seems to be impossible to get enough shut eye. Everyone needs

between seven to nine hours sleep a night according to the NHS. Getting less than this could lead to insomnia, which is a disorder where people have trouble sleeping. Neil Robinson, a sleep

expert at bed manufacturer Sealy UK, said you should follow these five tips to get to sleep in hot weather. COOL YOUR SHEETS “This may sound a little extreme, but throwing your bedding in

the fridge/freezer for 10 minutes gives much needed relief to the heat,” he said in a statement. “Just make sure your fridge is clean, bed sheets and butter don’t work!” He added that if

your fridge doesn’t have much space, then you could try cooling just your pillowcase inside it. SLEEP ALONE “Unromantic, yes, but the heat doesn’t have mercy for anyone, loving couples

included,” he said. “If the heat is unbearable then spending the night in different beds can help you stay cool.” COOL YOUR FEET Neil also suggested placing your feet in cool water while you

try to drift to sleep. “It can help cool down the rest of your body,” he added. “Just don’t spill any!” FLOOR FAN “An underrated investment for the summer months,” he said. “A simple floor

fan maintains a cool breeze in your bedroom. Make sure you buy well, however, as quality fans will use minimal electricity and will operate almost silently.” AVOID ALCOHOL Neil also added

that you should try not to go heavy on the booze before you go to sleep. “Dehydrating yourself before sleep on a hot night isn’t the best decision,” he said. “Stay away from the drink to

heighten your chances of sleep during a heat wave.” You could also try placing a plant mister by your bed, or a tray of ice in front of a blowing fan said Dr Nerina, Silentnight’s sleep

expert. Changing duvets for sheets could also help keep you cooler, and get a better nights sleep. /life-style/life/809893/too-hot-to-sleep-trick