In Britain, we are unaccustomed to it being dry, never mind hot. When temperatures do climb above the 20°C mark, it tends to elicit a state of panic – with people scrambling for sun screen, shades and ice cream. And that is exactly what we are in for this summer if recent weather reports are to be believed – surges of heart are set to be part and parcel of 2017.While we’d like to think we all relish the sunshine, there are some downsides. The most obvious of which is miserable and fitful sleep. To help you keep cool in the sun and sleep soundlessly, here are some of the most effective solutions. Some will be obvious, and others may surprise you!
Eat less and more often
Heat tends to stifle the appetite and you should probably follow your body’s lead if you want to stay cool this summer. When we eat food, our body expends energy digesting it, producing metabolic heat in the process. The larger the meal we eat, the more metabolic heat our body creates. For this reason, it is best to sacrifice bigger meals for smaller, more frequent ones – your body temperature will thank you!
Keep away from alcohol and caffeine
A cold beer and a refreshing glass of white wine are staples of summer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are ideal for the hot weather. As you may already be all too aware, alcohol dehydrates the body, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, tiredness and even heat exhaustion, all of which are exacerbated by high temperatures. Caffeine-containing drinks are just as bad for dehydrating the body. While it is unlikely you’ll be putting the kettle on for a cup of coffee with the sun beaming overhead, you may fancy a quick, caffeine-filled coke. You are far better off drinking water instead, which will keep you hydrated and cool.
Hot or cold shower?
Logically speaking, it seems obvious that taking a cold shower would be perfect for relief from the hot weather. Think again. Taking a cold shower actually causes our core temperature to increase. Because our skin temperature is dramatically reduced under the jets of cold water, the body decreases blood flow and therefore reduces its ability to lose heat. The cool shower will give you an initial feeling of coolness, but within minutes you will have inadvertently made yourself warmer. That is why it is better to stick to a warm, or if you don’t think you can tolerate it, a tepid temperature shower. Regardless, you want to be certain that your shower is performing at peak capacity and packaged pump systems are the best way to achieve it.
Light clothing – in all senses of the word
Lighter colours reflect heat radiation from the sun whilst darker hues absorb it, making it vital to to stick to lighter coloured clothing to avoid sticking to your clothes. In terms of material, opt for natural materials over synthetic ones, cotton and linen won’t cling to your skin and trap heat like their synthetic counterparts, allowing you to stay cool.
