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The part of your house that keeps you cool for free in a heatwave – and it's not your windows
The part of your house that keeps you cool for free in a heatwave – and it's not your windows

The Sun

timea day ago

  • Health
  • The Sun

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. 3 3 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." 3

The simple bedroom trick to help you sleep better during a heatwave – as doctor warns of common mistake
The simple bedroom trick to help you sleep better during a heatwave – as doctor warns of common mistake

The Sun

time18-06-2025

  • Health
  • The Sun

The simple bedroom trick to help you sleep better during a heatwave – as doctor warns of common mistake

CREATING the perfect bedroom temperature is key for sleeping better through hot summer nights. And it can all come down to the precise position of your door, according to a sleep specialist. 2 With temperatures set to exceed 30C in some parts of the England by the weekend, many Brits will be facing an uncomfortable night's rest. But the way bedroom doors within sleeping spaces are positioned affects airflow patterns, says Dr Jordan Burns from AmeriSleep. Depending on the angle chosen, it can create cooling cross-ventilation or trap heat. "Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space," Dr Burns said. "A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning." Dr Burns recommends keeping bedroom doors fully open during daytime hours if the rest of the home is cooler, allowing for maximum air exchange between spaces. This approach works particularly well for rooms that receive direct sunlight. "When outside temperatures climb higher than those inside your home, keeping your bedroom door wide open allows cooler air from north-facing rooms to circulate throughout," he said. "This creates a natural current that pushes hot air up and out while drawing cooler air in from below." For night-time cooling, however, he recommends a more precise approach to door positioning. Five best stretches to improve sleep "The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees," Dr Burns explained. "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." Many people make the common mistake of either leaving doors completely open or fully closed during hot weather. But 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, said Dr Burns. He added: "Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep." And door positioning must work together with window management for maximum cooling effect. "If your windows and door create a straight-line path, you'll generate the strongest possible airflow through your bedroom," Dr Burns said. "The ideal setup in UK homes is having your bedroom door at 45 degrees with windows open on the opposite wall, creating a direct pathway for air movement." Furniture placement in relation to door positioning is also important. He also advised keeping furniture at least 30cm away from the door swing path. Tall wardrobes or dressers near doors can block airflow and create stagnant air pockets where heat accumulates. For flats and apartments where cross-ventilation options are limited, Dr Burns recommends changing door positions throughout the day based on sun exposure and temperature variations. "In single-aspect flats, try keeping your bedroom door closed during the day if that room receives direct sunlight," he said. "Then open it to precisely 45 degrees at night when the rest of the flat has cooled down." Research from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government found that certain homes are particularly vulnerable to overheating, including "flats on the top floor because heat rises" and "homes with opening windows on just one side of the property, as this means there is less ventilation through the home." Dr Burns pointed out that proper door positioning can help address these exact vulnerabilities. "For top floor flats, keeping bedroom doors positioned at 45 degrees at night helps draw cooler air up from lower levels of the building," he said. "For single-aspect properties, strategically angling your bedroom door creates a secondary airflow path that compensates for the lack of cross-ventilation from windows." And the sleep expert suggests a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling. "Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame," he explained. "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 while reducing both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options." Other ways to keep cool at night during the heat Use fans Strategically position fans to circulate air, potentially placing a tray of ice in front of it for a cooling effect. Cool down your bed Consider using a thin cotton sheet, chilling socks in the fridge, or even freezing your sheets briefly. Take a cool shower or bath Taking a lukewarm or cool shower or bath before bed can help lower your body temperature. Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day and night, but avoid excessive amounts right before bed to prevent waking up. Wear light clothing to bed Opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton. Consider your sleeping position Sleeping on your side can help with heat dissipation. Avoid alcohol and caffeine These can disrupt sleep and dehydrate you, making it harder to stay cool.

Struggling to Sleep in the Summer Heat? 10 Cooling Hacks to Help You
Struggling to Sleep in the Summer Heat? 10 Cooling Hacks to Help You

CNET

time15-06-2025

  • Health
  • CNET

Struggling to Sleep in the Summer Heat? 10 Cooling Hacks to Help You

It depends on the person, but most health experts agree that the ideal temperature for sleep is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. In the summertime, it can be hard to maintain this chilly temperature in your bedroom, especially if you don't have an air conditioner or turn off your AC at night to save money on your energy bill. Here are some simple sleep hacks that you can use during the hot summer months to keep cool and minimize sweat while you're trying to snooze. 10 sleep cooling hacks other than AC 1. Freeze your sheets and pillowcases An hour or two before you go to bed, toss your sheets and pillowcases in the freezer, and no, they won't come out stiff as a board. They will stay icy long enough to help you fall asleep without feeling overheated. Read more: Best Cooling Sheets 2. Also throw your socks in the freezer Along the same lines as freezing your linens, you can also freeze your socks for cooling relief. Extremities like your fingers, feet and toes are sensitive to temperature changes and play a role in regulating temperature. Keeping your feet cool can help cool down the rest of your body. 3. Use house fans to make your own AC Fans are much more energy efficient and budget friendly than an air conditioner. They use about 1% of the electricity that AC does. So, take advantage of fans and strategically place them around your room. Try placing a fan next to your bedside with a bowl of ice water in front of it. The ice will create cold air that the fan will blow toward you. Next, face a window fan outwards to blow the hot air from your bedroom outside. 4. Use a wet towel layer Lay a damp towel on your bed over your sheets to give your body some cooling relief while you fall asleep. I recommend that you lay a dry towel underneath the wet one to avoid soaking your mattress with water, which can damage the foam in your mattress. The towel won't stay cold for the entire night, but it should stay cool enough that you can drift off to sleep. 5. Don't sleep in the nude You may see advice on the internet suggesting that you should sleep in the nude to stay cool. That might work if you sleep cool, but it won't do much for you if you get sweaty. If you're hot, it's beneficial to wear lightweight pajamas (such as cotton) that can wick the moisture away. Otherwise, your body is free to sweat all over your sheets.6. Use cooling bed linens If a new mattress is out of your budget, you can opt for cooling sheets or pillows for relief. Search for sheets made with breathable fabric like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo. Bamboo absorbs sweat and helps you stay cool, and organic cotton does a great job of wicking away moisture. 7. Consider a cooling mattress Many mattresses retain heat, especially beds made with standard memory foam. A mattress with cooling technology can actually make a big difference in how comfortable you sleep. It can either provide extra airflow and breathability or offer an actively cool-to-the-touch sensation that draws heat away from you, like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora. Watch CNET sleep expert Owen Poole review the best cooling mattresses of 2025. 8. Block out the daytime sun and heat Blackout curtains can prevent your bedroom from getting too hot during the daytime, especially in the summer. Not only do they keep your bedroom dark, but they also reflect heat, stopping it from entering through the windows, which can also help cut down your electricity bill. 9. Sleep on the first level of your home The bad news for people in two-story homes or an upper-level apartment is that hot air rises, so the top story of your house will be warmer than the bottom floor. But you can beat the heat a little by sleeping on the bottom story of your home when you need relief. 10. Drink ice water before bed Drink a significant amount of water before bed to try and counteract the night sweats. Also, avoid alcohol before bedtime as it can promote dehydration, making it more difficult for your body to regulate temperature and keep you cooler. For more, check out our guide to natural sleep aids, the best way to take a power nap and how to train yourself to be a back sleeper (and why you should). If all else fails, these are our picks for the nest portable AC units.

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