As temperatures plummet this week to -6C (21F) in places, Brits are looking into ways how to keep warm without switching the heating on. Cold weather can negatively impact sleep pattern, which can result in people waking up through the night to try and make themselves warmer in bed.
Rising heating bills are the main driver to reduce energy consumption around the home, leaving Brits to explore other methods for heating up, including changing their bed position and drinking a sleep-encouraging nightcap.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “A lot of us struggle with getting to sleep in the colder months. With temperatures dropping and energy prices hiking, we wanted to share our top tips for those looking for new ways to heat up the bedroom.
“With the darker mornings and evenings, many people tackle feelings of fatigue and tiredness throughout the day. This makes it even more important to stay warm and get a good night’s sleep when possible.
“It sounds simple, but something as straightforward as making sure your bed isn't close to a window can make all the difference when it comes to resisting turning on the heating in an evening.”
There are easy hacks on how to save money on heating and drift off to sleep during the colder months. Here are Online-Bedrooms.co.uk’s top tips for staying warm in the bedroom and wider home.
Wrap up warm
Having a cold body can distract from sleeping and cause issues with waking up several times throughout the night. Wearing warm garments - one of the best materials for keeping in warmth is silk - and layering up is a way to stay warm and get a good night's sleep.
Those who feel uncomfortable wearing lots of layers to bed at night can keep warm by leaving some thick clothes on their bedside table to grab in the night in case of any midnight cold spells.
Move your bed
The placement of your bed may be affecting how warm you feel during the night. If your bed is near a window, even if it is double glazed, the cold from outside can seep through and affect your sleep.
Consider moving it to the other side of the room instead for a cosier night. There are also cost-effective ways to draught-proof windows in the bedroom and anywhere else in your house.
According to Energy Saving Trust draught-proofing is one of the cheapest ways to save energy and money in your home. Self-adhesive foam strips, or metal or plastic strips are easy to install and can be a quick way to conserve energy in your bedroom.
Hot milky nightcap
To warm yourself before bedtime, get into the routine of having a warm milky drink in the evening. Not only will the drink warm you from the inside, but milk contains tryptophan which helps the body prepare for sleep.
Bedroom heating
Once it gets dark outside, shut your blinds and curtains to conserve warmth, in the hours leading up to your bedtime. When it comes to turning the heating on, if possible keep it to your bedroom only.
Make sure all doors are closed with no draughts from other areas of your home. This way, when it comes to getting into bed you will have a heated room to enhance your night’s sleep.
Hot water bottle
Save on energy and warm up your body in bed by using a hot water bottle. The heat created from the water bottle can also aid a relaxing night’s sleep, as the warmth circulates and improves blood flow around the body.
Try also placing it in your bed while you have a shower and get ready to sleep. The hot water bottle will warm up your mattress and duvet ready for you to jump in and head off to sleep.
Fluffy socks
Our feet and hands can become cold much more quickly than other parts of the body, which is why warming them up is important for a cosy night's sleep. Thermal, chunky or fluffy socks are great for keeping warmth in, and are a great aid to getting a good night's sleep in colder weather.
