Nearly half of Brits lose sleep in summer heat – leaving millions tired, irritable and fuelling bedroom rows
Britain is facing a summer sleep crisis, with almost half (48%) of UK adults regularly losing sleep because they are too hot at night, according to new research commissioned by online bedding brand Bedsure [.] and conducted by OnePoll.
The lack of quality sleep is leaving millions feeling the effects long after they wake up. Nearly nine in ten (86%) say poor sleep during hot weather leaves them feeling tired, irritable or less productive the following day (rising to an alarming 98% among 18 to 24-year-olds), with one in five (21%) reporting a major impact to daily lives.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults also shows women are particularly affected by hot weather, with 54% reporting disrupted sleep compared with 41% of men.
Dr Maja Schaedel, sleep expert, clinical psychologist and co-founder and director of the Good Sleep Clinic [.], said: _”_When we’re too warm, our body struggles to lower its core temperature, which is an
essential part of the process of falling asleep and staying asleep. The ideal bedroom temperature is typically between 16°C and 18°C, so warm summer nights can make it much harder to achieve restorative sleep.
Women can be particularly vulnerable to disrupted sleep patterns during hot weather because hormonal fluctuations can influence body temperature regulation. Even one poor night’s sleep can affect mood, concentration and productivity the following day, while repeated sleep disruption can place additional strain on relationships and overall wellbeing.”
Hot nights spark Britain’s “sleep divorce”
Hot nights are also putting relationships under pressure. 37% say sharing a bed with a partner makes them feel hotter, one in five (20%) admit they have argued with their partner about sleeping arrangements during warm weather and some (18%) choose to sleep separately in search of a cooler night’s rest. Interestingly, 14% of people are still happy to share a bed with a pet even though it makes them feel warmer.
Extreme measures to stay cool
Many people are turning to unconventional tactics to get a better night’s sleep during hot weather. The research found that one in five (20%) leave multiple fans running overnight, while 17% take freezing cold showers before bed. Meanwhile, 12% opt to sleep on the floor to escape the heat, and another 12% use damp towels in an effort to stay cool while they sleep.
The summer duvet paradox
Despite soaring overnight temperatures, many Brits remain reluctant to ditch their duvet altogether. The study found one in five (20%) refuse to sleep without some form of cover, even on the hottest nights. Reflecting the psychological comfort many people associate with sleeping under a cover, despite the additional warmth it can create.
Alan Guo, Regional Lead for Europe & Canada, Bedsure comments: “As temperatures rise, rather than relying on drastic cooling methods, avoiding heavy duvets and choosing lightweight, breathable bedding designed to improve airflow and wick away moisture can help create a more comfortable sleep environment during warmer nights to improve sleep quality.”
Minor tweaks for major perks
The research suggests that making simple changes to bedding could help improve sleep during the warmer months. Among those who switched to lighter, more breathable bedding, 44% woke fewer times feeling overheated, 29% fell asleep faster, and a quarter said they felt more refreshed the following morning.
“The findings indicate that even simple seasonal bedding changes can make a noticeable difference, helping people fall asleep more quickly, wake up less often feeling overheated and feel more refreshed the next day,” says Alan Guo, Regional Lead for Europe & Canada.
“Cooling fabric technology also lowers body temperatures by up to 2°C, helping transfer body heat away from the skin more efficiently than many conventional bedding materials, so these types of products are increasingly popular in summer months and with hot sleepers year-round.”
Bedsure’s Cooling Collection includes the
Bedsure Cooling Blanket
Bedsure Cooling Comforter
Bedsure Cooling Pillowcases
Bedsure Rayon Derived From Bamboo Duvet Cover Set
Bedsure 100% Cotton Jersey Fitted Sheet
Bedsure Seersucker Duvet Cover Set