Doctor Amir Khan urged Brits to place it on their feet (stock image) (Image: Getty)
While it’s wonderful to enjoy some pleasant weather, the heat is probably affecting the quality of your sleep, leaving many wondering whether it’s advisable to leave a fan running throughout the night. Yet, when it comes to enhancing your sleep during a heatwave, a straightforward adjustment could make all the difference.
TV‘s Doctor Amir Khan has previously offered expert guidance on what people can do to enhance their slumber, and it may be simpler than you’d imagine. He discussed what people ought to know on the Lorraine programme last year and, with temperatures climbing this week, it appears timely to revisit these suggestions.
This isn’t the only guidance of its kind to be shared on the subject either. Other recommendations have previously been put forward to help people rest well in the heat.
At the time, Doctor Amir said: “My two really practical top tips. If you’ve got a fan at home, don’t just blow hot air around. Get a bowl of ice or frozen peas, [and] put it under the fan.
“As the air blows over it, it will cool the air, and you’ll have a really efficient and free air conditioning system. Step number two, get a pair of socks.”
He added: “Put them in a plastic Ziploc bag, put them in the freezer an hour before bed, because it’s really hard to sleep when it’s this hot. Put those socks on before you get into bed.
“It will cool your body down, and you’ll have a much better night’s sleep tonight.” The tips were met with widespread enthusiasm when he shared them, with many viewers rushing to express their gratitude in the comments section.
One praised: “Top tips for the cost of living crisis.” Another confirmed: “Brilliant advice.”
A third person replied: “Thank you for sharing.” Also, a fourth chimed in with: “Love the socks idea.”
It turns out, a cold pair of socks could be all you need to sleep well during the heat. This is why Brits should place them on their feet.
How much sleep do you need?
While this largely depends on your age, most healthy adults aged between 18 and 64 generally require seven to nine hours of sleep per night. The optimal amount can vary greatly from person to person, so the most reliable indicator is whether you wake feeling refreshed and can remain alert without relying on caffeine.
This will suggest if you’re deprived of sleep or not. The NHS also issues some handy advice too.
Advice via the Every Mind Matters page reads: “Sleep problems are common, and the reasons we struggle to sleep are likely to change throughout our lives. For instance, illness, work or having a baby are possible causes.
“A few sleepless nights are usually nothing to worry about, but it can become an issue if a lack of sleep starts to affect your daily life. Learn more about signs you might be sleep deprived, common symptoms of insomnia and if poor sleep hygiene or sleep habits could be the reason.”
Should you have any concerns regarding your sleep quality, speak to your GP for further guidance. Those who regularly struggle to sleep may require additional support from a medical professional.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
