With July 4th in the rear-view, summer is in full-swing, which means sweat, heat, and a necessary boost in hydration.
Science shows that being too hot can interrupt sleep, which means hot summer nights are prime time for losing valuable Z’s. To keep things cool, you’ll probably be turning down the air or pulling out an extra fan, but you still want to preserve your sanity when you receive your next electric bill. Another way to make the most of your summertime sleep schedule is to change up
what you wear to bed. Here are a few tips to help you get through the next couple of months:
Cool Down from the Inside-Out
Start your nighttime routine with a drink and a snack that will cool you down internally. Made an infused water with mint and cucumber— both known for their cooling properties— and add a small plate of watermelon for a snack. Not only will you be super hydrated, but you’ll also be helping your body cool down from the inside, which could help overall.
Scrub the Heat Away
A hot shower is one of the best ways to decompress from a long day, but the water temperature can be a problem in the summertime. Start out with the normal water temperature, and then bring it down a notch so that the water isn’t so hot. Do that a few times while showering to give your body a break from the heat. Then, add in a sugar scrub with peppermint or eucalyptus to add a little flavor, and a little cool tingle.
Sugar scrubs made with essential oils from peppermint or eucalyptus can help the skin cool down faster, which means more comfort for you as you head to bed. Not to mention that fresh, polished glow that only a sugar scrub can provide. Want to make your own sugar scrub to avoid the cost (and potential chemicals added)? Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:
● 1 cup white granulated sugar
● ½ to 1 cup of oil— coconut, olive, and almond tend to work best. Add in oil until you get
the consistency you like.
● 5-7 drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils (or you can use just one if
you don’t like the combination idea)
Start with the sugar, add oil until you have the consistency you like, and then add your peppermint and/or eucalyptus and voila! You have a summertime sugar scrub perfect to help your skin release some heat.
Choose Your Fabric Wisely
Man-made fabric like Nylon is popular in the sleepwear realm, but it is water repellent/resistant, which means if you are sweating, you’re likely to stay sweaty. Without breathability, this fabric traps the moisture to your skin and it doesn’t absorb or evaporate, which can make you uncomfortable. Silk is another summertime no-no. Though natural, the fabric repels water as well, which means you’ll stay sticky and sweaty.
Maybe you want to wear something sleek and sexy to start out the night, but change into something more breathable when you’re ready to hit the pillow. Cotton and linen— a favorite of the islands— are good choices. Both fabrics are breathable, light, and airy, making them more conducive to a good night’s rest despite rising temperatures. A renewed popularity in the rayon world makes for great sleepwear as well. Options like Tencel and bamboo-derived rayon offer breathability and lightweight alternatives to cotton and linen. Most are also sustainably sourced, which is a plus for the environment.
Consider the “Less is More” Rule
Some of us love a good pair of sweatpants or long pajama bottoms to sleep in, but the summertime calls for shorts during the day, and the evening is no exception. Trade in your long sleeves for a cami and some shorts. In doing so, your body can better regulate its own temperature without having to work harder because of the extra layers. You might consider exposing your core as well. This can be done through a cropped top or sports bra-style top. The more skin you have exposed, the better if temperatures tend to stay high at night.
Check Your Sheets
If wearing rayon or silk isn’t idea for summertime comfort, laying in it won’t be either. Silk sheets definitely feel soft against the skin, but once you start sweating, the novelty wears off. Sleeping in sheets that can’t breathe means your body can’t breathe either, making it difficult to regulate temperature.
Once again, cotton, bamboo, and Tencel make great options, delivering breathability and lightweight options to the bed. Tencel and bamboo are really soft and comfortable, which could also enhance the summertime sleep experience
.Create a Little Breathing Room
For some, skin-tight options like boyshorts and flexible cami are a lifestyle, but sometimes the skin needs to breathe for the body to regulate its temperature so summer might be the right time to try out loose-fitting options. Maybe a light, loose short and a cami a size larger than what would normally fit could work. If you can’t let go of those boyshorts, make sure to choose the right material for breathability. Cotton boyshorts are a comfy, cool option.
Another way to create breathing room is to let go of that comforter. Some people opt for a lighter comforter or blanket in the summertime, but depending on where you live, letting go of the comforter altogether might make more sense. Instead, opt for a light-weight blanket or sheets. Read Bustle's round-up of best summertime sheet sets.
Whatever your summer situation— 95-degree Miami, sticky NYC, or dry and sunny Los Angeles, getting sleep is still a necessity. Doing so without breaking the energy bank is high on people’s priority list too, and a few simple nighttime wardrobe changes could make the difference.
Do you have other nighttime tips to keep the heat at bay? Leave us a comment! Think you might want to try out a few cooler sleepwear options or send your sister in Florida a cute set? A curated box or gift card is a great way to go. You can even add in a little note that you’re looking for something cool and comfy, and our stylists will curate something special to meet your needs.
Whatever your summer situation— 95-degree Miami, sticky NYC, or dry and sunny Los Angeles, getting sleep is still a necessity. Doing so without breaking the energy bank is high on people’s priority list too, and a few simple nighttime wardrobe changes could make the difference.
Do you have other nighttime tips to keep the heat at bay? Leave us a comment! Think you might want to try out a few cooler sleepwear options or send your sister in Florida a cute set? A curated box or gift card is a great way to go. You can even add in a little note that you’re looking for something cool and comfy, and our stylists will curate something special to meet your needs.