Simple tips for sleeping better

Are you tossing and turning in the heat? Are your sheets sticking to your skin? For those hot or restless sleeper solutions and how to regulate your body temperature, editor Trudi Brewer shares her top tips to sleeping better in the heat.

A good night’s sleep starts with your bedding, says Ecosa brand manager Alice Elizabeth Allen. Who suggests linen is the best way to stay cool while the temperature soars. So we asked her what's on-trend and where to find the best.

 What should you look out for when choosing summer bedlinen?

Look for sheets that are breathable and regulate temperature. The same goes with duvets and quilts; choose lighter weights for the hot summer months that are breathable, can absorb sweat and regulate temperature. Also, swap your darker winter sheets for light, summery colours. For pillows, focus on the pillowcase, not the pillow. A silk pillowcase will naturally regulate your temperature all year, not just in summer. 

How do flax linen vs bamboo sheets differ?

Bamboo bedding feels soft and silky to the touch; flax linen is also soft but has more texture and will soften with each wash and wear, meaning each night will be better than the last. 

What colours are on-trend in bedding?

Neutrals never go out of style, and for a good reason. Fresh white, cream and wood tones bring on that summer holiday vibe. But, if you want a splash of colour, mixing pastels with earth tones is very on-trend this summer.  

Ecosa Flax Linen Queen Bedding set in Rose, $518. Ecosa Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowslips, $100. Ecosa Luxe Silk King Quilt Summer, $440. Editor Trudi Brewer’s pick from the Ecosa Flax Linen Bedding in Rose with the white Mulberry Silk Pillowslip.

Tips to a better night's sleep in the heat

Get a flow on

To get the air flowing, you need to keep the window and doors open to the bedroom, which allows the air to circulate through the night. If you can, open another window outside of your bedroom (maybe in the bathroom or hallway) to encourage a breeze. Just make sure you wedge your bedroom door open to stop it from slamming.

To stop your bedroom from overheating during the day, keep the sun out by closing your curtains and blinds but keep the windows open.

The fan and ice hack

Place a fan in front of a tray of ice so that the cold air blows over the top of it; this will cool the room down as the ice begins to melt.

Here's how to cool your skin

Press an ice pack on your pulse points, including your wrist, neck, chest, or temples. They're the spots that release the most heat from the body and where the veins flow closest to the surface of the skin, which immediately gives your body a cooling-down sensation.  

Swap out heavy creams for lightweight balms

Night creams and heavy moisturiser need to take a back seat during summer. Use hydrating serums instead. They will absorb quickly and work their magic from within the skin without melting onto your pillowcase.

H20 regulates your body temperature

Your body likes to stay at 37 degrees. But when the heat rises, so does your temperature. So, the more water you pump into your body, the better it can regulate this process - keep water by the bed so you can hydrate during the night.

The beauty buys to help with a better night's sleep

This Works Sleep Pillow Spray, $45. Aromatherapy Associates Support Lavender & Peppermint Bath & Shower Oil, $110. T2 Sleep Tight Tea, $28. Badger Sleep Balm, $20.