How do you deal with hot nights?

**AstralMango** · 03-19-2014 11:27 AM

I hate massive heat. I prefer the cold and it makes me sleep better. In the summer my sleep suffers (with a lot of insomnia, woohoo). I think it's also a factor in my sketchy dream recall as it's not getting any better. It's always been bad on hot nights. I wake up sweaty and can never get back to sleep.

I usually keep my window open, and we're not allowed fans in the house. So how do you deal with it? Any tips?

**RedStuf** · 03-19-2014 12:34 PM

I usually go to the bathroom and spray myself with cold water to cool myself down.
This has worked for me for quite a while, although you have to fall asleep before the chilly feeling wears out, which (especially for me) is really hard to do.

Good luck either way, hot nights are annoying to deal with.

**Screen** · 03-19-2014 03:42 PM

If you live in a two story house, sleep downstairs because heat rises. Sleep in larger areas like the living room if needed. When in smaller areas (like a car) the heat gets condensed and feels hotter quicker.

The water is a good idea, but if I'm truly that hot, I'll just take a cold shower as if it were an ice bath to really lower my body temperature and make it easier to sleep. Failing all of that, whoever told you you're not allowed fans needs to consider air conditioning.

**AstralMango** · 03-19-2014 07:16 PM

Thanks for the tips, guys. I'll try 'em out! The cold shower sounds lovely...

**Tygar** · 03-19-2014 08:41 PM

Wet a sheet or bath towel that is large enough to cover you with cool or cold water, and wring it or run it through the spin cycle on a washing machine until the sheet is quite damp but not dripping wet. Place the dry towel or sheet on your bed underneath your body and use the wet sheet as your blanket. The damp blanket will keep you cool.

**snoop** · 03-20-2014 02:52 AM

This might destroy your recall (or maybe temporarily boost it) but you could take 50mg of benadryl, which is the recommended dose when it is marketed as a sleep aid (ZZZQuil, sominex, etc.). Not only will it knock you out, but if it fails at that, it is a known vasoconstrictor and as a result (which is very plainly observable if you take it) it makes you feel cold, especially in your extremities. This is regardless of the surrounding temp, at least in my case. It can be like 90 degrees inside and I'll still feel cold unless I eat a really warm meal or take a hot shower (for as long as it takes my extremities to fully warm up, that is)

**AstralMango** · 03-20-2014 05:06 AM

Originally Posted by snoop

This might destroy your recall (or maybe temporarily boost it) but you could take 50mg of benadryl, which is the recommended dose when it is marketed as a sleep aid (ZZZQuil, sominex, etc.). Not only will it knock you out, but if it fails at that, it is a known vasoconstrictor and as a result (which is very plainly observable if you take it) it makes you feel cold, especially in your extremities. This is regardless of the surrounding temp, at least in my case. It can be like 90 degrees inside and I'll still feel cold unless I eat a really warm meal or take a hot shower (for as long as it takes my extremities to fully warm up, that is)

That sounds really interesting. Something to make me feel cold? Sounds great! I'll check it out!

**Validus** · 03-20-2014 08:12 PM

Those are all really good ideas, but... No FANS!?! That's deadly man, I have a huge ass fan that runs 24/7 that basically saves my life in the summer. I'd say your best bet would be a nice cold shower, OR, Dosing benadryl could prove very useful, Like snoop had said.

**Whatsnext** · 03-21-2014 01:10 AM

I take a walk outside where it's way hotter. Then coming in to my air conditioned apartment feels like stepping into a freezer even though its 80 inside. But if you don't have fans I'm guessing you don't have AC either. Try eating some icecream before bed maybe? Why no fans??

**AstralMango** · 03-21-2014 02:56 AM

Haha, exact opposite. It's usually a bit chillier outside, but some reason the house is always warm. We're not allowed fans 'cause my stepmother thinks that the AC (yes, we have it) is all we need. But there's a rule to keep our doors shut when sleeping, so that's a bit stupid. So the AC doesn't let cold air into my room. I just can't wait 'till winter...

**Tradl3s** · 03-21-2014 11:07 PM

I used to have this problem ALOT. These suggestions are good, but i want to add that it helps alot to just focus on your breathing. You don't have to force your breathing, just kind of be aware of it the most. Try to drown out the thought of being too hot, or uncomfortable. The reason you are getting hot might be because you toss and turn alot. That causes you to produce heat. I suggest just lying on your back in a simple position, and resist the urges to move at all. It can be hard at first, but you will get used to it. If, after a while you still find yourself struggling, then you can roll over. Just do it slowly, and try to stay relaxed.