Stay cool in the heat

It just keeps getting hotter and here in the UK we are seldom equipped to manage proper heat. You may have found yourself searching for answers to staying cool, and turning to old adages inherited from your parents. But, are these tips and tricks actually effective? We asked a doctor to explain:

1. Drink a hot drink to cool down

Dr Stephanie Ooi, a GP at myhealthcareclinic.com, says: “During hot weather, it’s essential you stay hydrated. Some people believe a hot drink can cool you down, but studies showing whether this is based on fact are mixed. It’s likely a hot drink will trigger the body’s sweat response faster, which will bring your sweat to the surface of the skin and help you feel cooler a little quicker.”

2. Sleep naked

Surely the best way to get a good night’s sleep in this heat is nudity and a fan – less is more, right? Well, maybe that depends.

According to Ooi: “When it comes to sleeping during a heatwave, we generally advise wearing something really lightweight and breathable. Natural materials like cotton or linen are generally the best for this.”

So, breathable and lightweight clothing and bedsheets may be better than going fully nude. Ultimately, it’s probably a personal choice!

3. Take a cold shower before bed

After a long day trying not to overheat, a cold shower sounds ideal before you try to sleep. But is it really that logical?

“Taking a cool shower before bed can bring your core temperature down, which can be a good idea. Just make sure it’s not too cold, as this can make your body try to warm itself up, rather than staying cool,” Ooi advises.

“Taking a shower before bed or just after getting home is also a good idea if you suffer from hay fever, as it helps to wash any residual pollen away.”

4. Wear light colours

“Wearing light versus dark-coloured clothing is not as clear cut. Lightcoloured clothing helps to reflect light but dark colours absorb more UV rays, so from a sun protection point of view, darker colours are more protective. Vivid colours will also have a higher level of protection than pastel colours,” says Ooi.

5. You should keep windows and curtains shut

“When it comes to curtains, blinds and windows, the general advice is to keep them closed during the day and when it cools down later on in the day, you can then open up the windows to allow the cool air to come into the room. ”