Can't sleep because of the heat? One sleeping position can make the night much easier

It's not just about room temperature or light sheets, but also about how the body releases heat at night.

If you woke up last night drenched in sweat or spent hours trying to sleep due to the unbearable heat, you're not alone. Tropical nights, when the temperature doesn't drop below 20 degrees, are becoming more and more frequent, while experts warn that they are the ones that damage sleep quality the most.

In addition to airing the room and using light sheets, the position in which you sleep can also play an important role.

Although many people don't pay attention to this, sleep experts say that proper body position can help the body cool down more easily, so you'll fall asleep faster and wake up less often during the night.

Why is sleeping on your side the best choice during the summer heat?

Sleep expert Alison Jones considers sleeping on your side to be the best position during tropical nights.

As she explains, when you lie on your side, a larger part of your body is exposed to the air, so heat escapes from your body more easily. This allows for more natural body cooling and reduces the chance of you waking up in the middle of the night feeling overheated.

Sleep position expert James Leinhardt agrees, noting that the human body releases most of its heat through the forehead and lower back.

For this very reason, sleeping on your back can contribute to heat retention, because a larger surface area of ​​the body is in contact with the mattress.

"When you sleep on your side, a smaller part of your body touches the mattress, so heat is distributed more naturally and the body cools more efficiently," explains Leinhardt.

Does it matter which side you sleep on?

Experts say the answer could be – yes.

Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Abhinav Singh says that sleeping on the left side can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux.

The reason lies in the anatomy of the stomach. Most of the stomach is located on the left side of the body, so when a person lies on that side, stomach acid has a harder time passing into the esophagus. This can reduce the burning sensation and allow for more restful sleep.

It is estimated that up to ten percent of people experience reflux symptoms at night, which often lead to awakenings, poorer rest, and chronic fatigue.

How to cope with tropical nights more easily?

In addition to proper body position, experts also recommend some simple habits that can improve sleep quality during the summer:

▪ freshen up your room before going to bed;
▪ use light cotton sheets;
▪ avoid heavy meals and alcohol late in the evening;
▪ take a shower with lukewarm water, not very cold water;
▪ drink enough fluids during the day to prevent dehydration.

Although no trick will completely eliminate the effects of extreme heat, the combination of a cool room, comfortable sheets, and sleeping on your side can help you finally get through the night without waking up constantly.