How to keep your bedroom cool this summer

Hot humid air, sticky bedsheets and a brood of cicadas trying to lull us to sleep often signals the start of Summer in Australia and the end of a solid night’s sleep. But it doesn’t have to be this way. How can you create the perfect sleeping environment to wake up well rested and relaxed for the next day? We’ve developed some helpful tips that might spark some ideas on how to handle the overpowering heat during our summer evenings. It all begins in the bedroom.

Lightweight linen

The key to a cool bedroom and the main source of a restless night’s sleep is often the bed itself. The covers on your bed have a massive impact on your ability to sleep and can influence how effectively you keep yourself cool. Regardless of whether you are a ‘hot sleeper’ or someone who likes to wrap yourself in blankets every night of the year, changing your bedlinen in Summer is a no brainer. Linen sheets are often cited as the perfect choice of fabric for the hotter months. The weave of linen, combined with its low GSM and ability to retain moisture makes it a favourable choice for hot sleepers who tend to sweat throughout the night. However, due to their laundering requirements (i.e. not suitable for the clothes dryer and sometimes need ironing to maintain their look), linen sheets are often overlooked. Alternatively, you can choose bamboo sheets that are known to be breathable, soft on the skin and suitable for tumble dryers – on a low setting. There is also popular debate on whether a top sheet is helpful in summer (or any time of the year). Aside from the top sheet creating a barrier between you and your quilt/comforter, choosing a natural fibre sheet can feel cool and crisp against your skin. Finally, don’t forget to swap out your quilt for a lightweight option over the hotter months.

An open plan is a good plan

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and felt that your bedroom was too stuffy? It might be because there is a lack of ventilation. Studies show that a bedroom promotes optimal sleeping conditions when the room sits between 18-20°C. If you don’t have the advantage of controlling your room’s temperature with air conditioning, then you can try creating a draft and open your doors/windows to alleviate the build-up of heat. Also, consider a spring clean of your bedroom to ensure you have space around your room so the cool air can circulate freely. Look at removing clutter on your bedside table and near your window to create an airy and dust free room. Don’t forget to also look at whether your children’s bedrooms need a spring clean as a tidy, uncluttered space may help them wake up rested and happy!

An added tip:

Keep your blinds drawn during the day. Most block out blinds can absorb up to 75% of the heat radiating to your room. It will make it easier to regulate your bedrooms temperature before you rest your head at night.

Get a green thumb

Plants have always offered a decorative touch to the personality of one’s home. But what if the right plant can also aid your sleep? We know from basic high school science that plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere, however, there are specific types of plants that can release moisture, improve air quality, and offer an added therapeutic effect to the quality of your sleep. Take the Areca palm for example – a native Madagascan plant that is known for acting as a natural humidifier. It’s ideal for our natural climate where we have hot and dry air. These grow nicely indoors but will need space in your bedroom where there is indirect sunlight.  Another beneficial plant is the Snake plant (commonly known as “mother-in-law’s tongue.") This West African plant species is one of the only plants that only releases oxygen at night. Perfect for air circulation around your room. Finally, if you’re one for natural therapeutics, then a nice Jasmine or Lavender plant outside your bedroom window can help radiate the senses and induce a more relaxed environment before you sleep.

Keep it chromatic

We must admit, jet black is quite a cool colour, but it’s not the most ideal swatch to keep you cool. Try using a subtle primary chromatic colour for your bedroom. It can evoke that “homey” feel and shave a few degrees off your bedroom’s temperature. Depending on your style of choice, “In” colours such as the paler shade of blue and green are making quite the mark on summer friendly homes.

Preparing for sleep

It’s well known that lowering your body temperature before bed leads to a better night’s sleep. It seems obvious but having a cool shower before bed can create the best environment and if you add a small fan to the room, you will hopefully fall asleep cooler. If you’d like to learn how to make your home smarter and more efficient leading into the new year, then you can view our 'six ways to make your home smarter' blog here. It might even give you some present ideas for the holidays!