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Sleep Tips for Summer

Josh Farmer — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 18:30:40 +0000

Hello, summertime. What makes this season so enjoyable – warm temps and more daylight – can have a downside: It can keep you from sleeping well. That goes for your kids too. Make the most of the season by following these sleep tips for summer. Bonus: You’ll feel more energized to tackle that summer bucket list. Now, who’s ready for summertime zzz’s?

Some Don’t Like It Hot

Why is it so much harder to sleep when it’s a little warmer than normal (or a lot warmer)? Your body is hardwired to slide into sleep when it’s cooler. In fact, as part of your body’s pattern of wakefulness and sleep, called your circadian rhythm, your internal temperature drops slightly as bedtime draws near. This natural decrease in temperature signals your brain, “It’s about time for bed, right?” But dropping your internal temperature is more difficult if the atmospheric temperature high, and even harder if there’s humidity in the mix too.

Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Sun

But it’s not just summer’s higher temps that keep you restless, it’s also the sunlight. Depending on where you live in the U.S., you’ll be getting not just a few minutes, but a few more hours of sunny rays. All that daylight is great for spending time outside and making the most of your summer vacation. But it’s harder to fall asleep when it’s bright outside earlier in the morning and later in the evening. That’s not to say you should mourn summertime – just the opposite – but you may have to follow a few strategies when it’s sunny to get to sleep, and stay asleep.

Summer Sleep Suggestions

The summer heat shouldn’t be the reason why your quality sleep should sink to the bottom of the swimming pool. Here are some tips designed just for the season that can help you snooze more soundly.

Blind the sun. Opt for blackout curtains on all your bedroom windows (no more annoying sunlight at 5 a.m., plus your room will stay cooler day and night.)
Take a cold shower before bed. Help yourself out by taking a quick, cool shower before bedtime. Plus, it’ll help you relax too.
Chill out your bedroom. Try to keep your bedroom at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a rotating fan to circulate the air in your bedroom. Also, consider investing in cooling bedroom products, such as pillows, sheets and even mattresses.
Pack on the ice. Keep a glass or water bottle filled with icy cool water next to your bed. Drink a little cold water before bed to lower your internal body temp.
Go spread eagle. Your sleep position may be making you warmer. Always sleep curled up in a ball? Maybe it’s time to try sleeping with your arms and legs spread out, which helps release your body heat, instead of retaining it.
Sleep solo. Nothing personal, but your partner may be adding to the higher bedroom temps too.
Get naked. Your pajamas may be trapping heat close to your body making it harder to sleep. Look for pajamas in light, breathable fabrics. Or nix the PJs altogether.

Bring on the summer sun and temps! Just not in the bedroom. Here’s how to keep it cool and cozy for better sleep all summer long from @BetterSleepOrg. #BSCSleepTips

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This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Tips for Sleeping Better on Vacation

Josh Farmer — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 16:43:48 +0000

“I need a vacation from my vacation.” Sound familiar? Whether you’re heading to Rio or Mount Rushmore, your summer vacation could sabotage your sleep. Jet lag, your hotel room, even alcohol can cheat you of deep, restful slumber and leave you feeling less than refreshed. Happily, our tips for a more restful vacation will have you sleeping better from start to finish.

Before You Hit the Road, Hit the Sheets

The night before a big trip, many people sleep as little as 5 hours or less from the stress of prepping and packing. But losing even as little as 1.5 hours can lead to grogginess, fatigue and unwanted symptoms the next day. It’s called sleep debt. And its effects can last all vacation long.

What you can do – Start by planning ahead. Avoid starting your trip in a sleep debt by being sure you get a solid 8 hours of sleep before you leave. It helps to begin packing at least a week in advance to avoid a late-night scramble. You can reduce your stress by prescheduling rides to the airport, printing boarding passes ahead of time and confirming reservations well in advance.

Jet Lag Is a Drag

When you fly across time zones, your internal clock isn’t matched to the day and night light cycles of your destination. That can disrupt your quality of sleep for days. On average, it takes one day per hour to adjust to the new time zone, according to WebMD.

What you can do – Pre-trip, gradually adjust your bedtime to match your new time zone. If possible, try to schedule your arrival time for the morning to become acclimated to a full day of light. Don’t forget to pack a sleep kit in your carry-on. A good sleep mask and earplugs can go a long way toward getting some in-flight shut-eye.

The New Bedroom Effect

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, people sleep poorly during their first night in a hotel room. Experts say the strangeness of a new bedroom is to blame. It can set us on edge, keeping our brains half awake and on the lookout all night long.

What you can do – Help make your room as cozy and primed for sleep as possible. Make sure you lower those light-blocking blinds and set the temperature between 65 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Use familiar bedtime rituals, like chamomile tea or reading to wind down.

Kick Allergy Attacks to the Curb

Often people travel to explore the great outdoors. Unfortunately pollen and insect bites can trigger allergies. Before you consider taking medication to fight off the sniffles, sneezes and itching, be aware that antihistamines in most over-the-counter allergy medications cause a drowsiness you don’t want on your vacation.

What you can do – While there’s no way to totally avoid the pollen and other outside irritants, you can reduce your exposure indoors. Before you go the medication route, try taking a shower before you hit the hay. Pollen can cling to your pajamas and your hair, so taking a shower before bed rinses it away and scrubs away dead skin cells (plus all that extra sunscreen).

There Is Such a Thing as Too Much R&R

Sipping mai tais while lounging by the pool and posting your suntanned selfies might sound like the ingredients of a dream vacation. However, they could also be the key to a less-than-restful one too.

Alcohol makes you sleepy, while blocking your ability to fall into a deep sleep. So when that last piña colada wears off, you could be up for hours. Same goes for reclining by the pool. Too much beach reclining and too little exercise could add up to a lot of tossing and turning at night. And those epic photos you’re posting at 11 p.m. on your phone? No amount of daylight can offset the negative blue-light effects on your sleep.

What you can do – Even a 30-minute walk can improve your sleep, and you can elevate your exercise with a morning beach jog or laps in the pool. It’s counterintuitive, but reducing your alcohol consumption in the evening can make a big difference in sleep quality. Finally, stay away from screens at least an hour before bedtime. We repeat: Turn them off, power them down, lock them up. Your well-rested selfies will thank you.

Your summer vacay doesn’t have to ruin your sleep schedule! Discover tips to get the most out of your 40 winks so you can have the vacation of your dreams. #BSCSleepTips @BetterSleepOrg

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