Welcome to Happsy's 2024 Summer Sleep Guide! Summer is all about fun in the sun, but those long days and hot nights can make it tough to get the quality sleep you need. Don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to help you sleep well and wake refreshed, even when the temperature rises.
Can’t sleep in summer? Here’s why
Summer nights can be a challenge for many when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. The combination of longer daylight hours and higher temperatures can disrupt our natural sleep patterns and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Our bodies rely on cooler temperatures to signal that it’s time to rest, but the heat can interfere with this process. Additionally, the increased exposure to light in the evening can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
Understanding these factors can help us find ways to counteract them and achieve better sleep during the summer months. Luckily, we have a wealth of blogs on this very subject – and we’ve compiled them here for you.
Leverage the season – and sun!
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, the world resets. This is a unique opportunity to reset your sleep habits, too!
Reset your circadian rhythm
You’re awake when it’s light outside and sleep when it’s dark. This is the result of your circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm … kind of a fancy way to say “clock,” isn’t it? But that’s exactly what it is: your body’s internal clock, governed by the rise and the fall of the sun. Here’s how it works.
Sleep … less?
More daylight means more time to socialize, exercise and indulge, which can lead to a less sleep. With the kids out of school and hot weather, too, it’s no wonder many can’t sleep in summer. But blame aside, there's a science to this – and why it might not be so bad. Learn why.
Get outside and get active
Getting more exercise is easy in the sunny summer months. Simply going for a walk outside every day can promote weight loss, boost mood, aid digestion and help you get better sleep. But, just how good for you is daily walking? And, how much is enough? Let’s break it down.
Refresh your sleep space
Move over, spring cleaning! Summer is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your sleep environment.
Get cleaning (the organic way)
Are you ready to tackle your spring – or summer – cleaning the green way? If the fresh air outside has you motivated to create a fresher space INSIDE, read this first. The cleaning products you use can have a big impact on the environment. Cleaning your home shouldn’t come at the cost of our collective home, and it doesn’t have to. Here’s how to do it right.
Don’t forget your mattress!
Clean … your mattress? Yep. Not only can you clean your mattress, but you should clean it. An organic mattress is an investment in cleaner, healthier sleep, but you also have to do your part in keeping it clean. Regular mattress cleaning is not only about maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping space, but it also plays a vital role in extending the lifespan of your mattress. Wondering how to clean a mattress? Follow these steps.
Think cool! Best PJs and bedding for summer
How you dress and how you dress your bed can make a significant difference in how comfortable you feel during hot summer nights. (And a significant difference in how well you sleep!)
Choose eco-friendly fabrics for PJs
What you sleep on is incredibly important to your own well-being and the planet’s – a certified organic mattress is a must. But, what you sleep IN matters quite a bit, too. Whether you suffer from sleeping hot or you’re someone who prefers snuggly layers, the materials your PJs are made from go a long way in how comfortable you feel. So what’s the best fabric for comfortable, eco-friendly summer pajamas? We'll save the suspense: organic cotton! Here's why.
Check out these hacks to stop sleeping hot
If you struggle with sleeping hot, then you know the frustration of tossing and turning all night, struggling to get comfortable, and waking up sweaty and exhausted. This is especially worse in the summer! Overheating during your sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythm and natural sleep cycle, resulting in poor sleep quality. Fortunately, there are simple and natural things you can do to get the comfortably cool, refreshing sleep you need. Let’s break it down.
Tap into sound this summer
Summer rain, ocean waves … sound can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Discover the color of sound
Chances are you’ve played around with a sound machine before. If not, you’ve surely heard of them. Search YouTube and you'll find thousands of hours of sleep sounds: rainfall, ocean waves, fire crackling, whales, you know the drill. But what about the color of sound? White noise, pink noise, brown noise – what’s the difference? And does it matter? We’ll break it down for you here.
Explore ASMR for sleep
You’ve probably seen trending ASMR videos pop up on your TikTok or Instagram Reels. To the unfamiliar social media scroller, ASMR can seem uncomfortable and even a bit silly. But there’s a reason behind its appeal and why this sensory phenomenon is sweeping social media. ASMR videos and techniques could have the power to transform your sleep for a more peaceful and restorative slumber. Let’s take a closer look.
Achieving quality sleep in the summer doesn’t have to be a challenge. By understanding the reasons behind why you can’t sleep in summer and taking proactive steps to create a conducive sleep environment, you can enjoy restful nights even during the hottest months. Oh, and the rest of the year, too!
Find more Happsy Lifestyle ideas on our blog to start sleeping (and living!) better.
