Video Transcript
When it comes to sleep, the summer months can be a bit of a double edged sword. There is the increased activity you can get through the day because you have so much more sunshine, and that can make people more tired and increase their sleep debt, and make it easier for them to fall asleep in the evening. On the other hand, the temperatures are really bothersome and hot for many people who are used to sleeping in 68 to 72 degrees.
Many people don't want to run their air conditioner to 68 degrees, because they'll incur a really big electricity bill. And so I recommend using fans, even more than one fan, in the room to help move air around the room and make you more comfortable at night. Changing your bedding out to natural materials like cotton or linen can be very helpful, because these materials breathe more easily.
In terms of the light, many people are bothered by the early morning light. I think it's useful to employ blackout curtains, and there are very expensive ones on the market. But you can also purchase a black plastic shower curtain and that tends to work really well. Wearing a sleeping mask can also be a useful tool in the evening time. It can help to prepare your body for sleep.
You need a couple of hours to unwind before bed. Turn off overhead and fluorescent lighting, maybe lower shades. Bring kids in from outside so they have a little more time to unwind in those late evening hours. And avoiding the screens can be really helpful to getting your brain ready for rest. If you incorporate a lot of strategies into your sleep but feel it is not improving, I recommend talking to your primary care doctor or seeing a sleep specialist.
They can help you sort through the issue, whether it's insomnia, movements at night, breathing issues during your sleep, or your circadian rhythm, they can help you realign your sleep, maybe incorporating different treatments or medications into your daily life.
