The part of your house that keeps you cool for free in a heatwave – and it's not your windows
THERE is nothing worse than struggling to sleep in a hot, humid room on a warm summer's night.
The heat can often mean it can be tough to create the perfect bedroom temperature that gives us a good night's rest.
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Which is why most of us are forced to fork out for a fan to avoid a restless, sweaty sleep and feeling shattered and drained the next day.
But did you know that there is a part of your home that can actually cool you for free? And no, it's not the windows.
A sleep expert has now revealed that the precise position of your door can make all the difference when it comes to keeping cool at bedtime in the summer.
This is because, depending on how it is placed, it can significantly reduce bedroom temperatures.
Which, in turn, can save you from facing an uncomfortable night's rest.
Dr Jordan Burns, from Amerisleep, says the way bedroom doors are positioned affects airflow patterns within sleeping spaces.
Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home
Dr Jordan Burnsexpert from Amerisleep
And this can either create cooling cross-ventilation or it can trap heat, depending on the angle chosen.
The specialist said: "Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space.
"A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning."
So, what is the perfect position to leave your door at night for a nice, cool, blissful sleep?
Dr Burns has said that everyone should take a more precise approach and suggests positioning the door at a 45-degree angle.
The sleep doctor explained: "The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees.
"This specific position creates what fluid dynamics calls a 'venturi effect' that accelerates airflow through the narrower opening, pulling hot air out more efficiently than a fully open door would."
But he warns that you should never leave your door completely open or fully closed if you want a cool space.
Dr Burns said this is the most common mistake people make during hot weather, and it can actually leave you feeling WARMER.
He added: "A completely open door actually slows down airflow in many cases because the opening is too large to create the pressure differentials that drive air movement.
"Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep."
The sleep expert suggests a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling.
Dr Bruns advised: "Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame.
"If it moves toward the door, you're successfully drawing air through the room.
"If it remains still or moves away, adjust your window and door configuration until you achieve proper airflow.
"Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home.
"Door positioning is a cost-free intervention that can improve your sleeping environment.
"It can also reduce both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options."
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