Sleep Cooler During Hot Summer Nights In Las Vegas

Those 100 degree days are rearing their ugly head in Las Vegas, which means we'll soon be thrashing around the bed covers, trying to cool off enough to just get some sleep.

When it is too hot, our bodies can really struggle to cool down, making it very hard to relax, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. And more and more studies show that getting a good night's sleep is more important than ever because it can lead to a much lower chance of early death. A good night's sleep lowers the risk of an early death by 40 percent.

Experts have revealed some lesser-known sleep hacks for staying cool through the night. You might not have thought of them, and they might actually help.

As tempting as it may be to strip off all the clothes, it's not recommended in the hateful heat of summer. When you sleep in the buff sweat collects on your skin rather than being absorbed by the fibers of your clothing and cooling you down.

Instead, try wearing 'loose-fitting, airy, light night clothes in natural fibers like cotton, silk, eucalyptus or bamboo, ideally in lighter-colored shades, the New York Post reported.

Yes - what you eat can also have an impact on how well you sleep. Sorry spicy food lovers - doctors suggest not eating anything spicy in the hot summer months, when you are winding down for the night.

Be careful with fermented foods like teriyaki or soy sauce, tofu and miso, also citrus fruit, cured meats and aged cheeses. 'These contain the amino acid tyramine - whatever that is? Just know that it's something that can increase brain activity and make it harder to fall asleep.

Our bodies take a lot more energy to digest a large, heavy, or rich meal, and that produces more metabolic heat. So a light evening meal in summer will definitely be more beneficial.

Here are some other summer sleep hacks to - literally - keep you cool.

Submerging your feet in a bowl of lukewarm water offers long-lasting coolness. But watch the temperature of the water - using ice-cold water can shock you awake and make it harder to fall asleep.

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A bowl of ice placed in front of a fan will generate a cold breeze rather than circulate existing warm air around the room.

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This just sounds fun, in general. Popping your pajamas in an air-tight bag in the fridge or freezer before bed for a few minutes can give you a cool treat. You could also put your pillowcase in the freezer to help keep you cool in the night.

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Put down your hairdryer and just leave your hair wet after showering. It will leave you feeling cooler for longer.

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If you sleep with a partner, you should consider using separate blankets. Spooning your significant other all night might be tempting, but their body heat will only transfer to you. A simple way to optimize your personal sleep space is to use separate coverings, so you can tailor it to your preferences and reduce the possibility of the bedtime tug-o-wars.

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Many people swear that using aloe vera before bed beats taking a cold shower,  because it absorbs into the body four times quicker than water. Lather it up all over your body just before bed for a cooling effect.

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Might sound counterintuitive, but it's similar to putting your feet in lukewarm water. Using a hot water bottle in summer raises your core temperature slightly. Then when you go to bed, your core temperature will drop. This is an important part of your body falling asleep, and helps trick the body into thinking it is cooler than it is.

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Yep - if you're struggling with heat, grab an ice pack from the freezer, wrap it in a towel and put it in the bed wherever it feels comfortable. Or, you can also fill your hot water bottle with water and pop it in the freezer for a sleep friendly solution.  For more instant relief, put an ice pack on the pulse points on your wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles and even behind your knees. The cold will travel quickly around your body, and you'll notice the difference almost immediately.

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Sleep like a starfish! Stretch out across the bed with your arms and legs wide. It’s a really simple and easy way to keep your temperature down by increasing air circulation around your limbs and reducing sweating.

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