Top tips to help children sleep in the continued heat

For most adults, trying to get a good night’s sleep during a warm weather spell can be difficult, however, we know to try different solutions to help us sleep better. For children, sleeping in the heat can be slightly more uncomfortable, especially as they have a slightly higher body temperature compared to adults. The average body temperature for a child is 36.4 – 37.4°C whereas an adult is 35.6 – 36.7°C[1]. This means that during the hotter nights, it can be easier for children and babies to overheat.

As a parent, you may worry that your child will be too hot in the night during the exceptionally warm – and continual – summer heat and may have many questions on how to help them keep cool. Silentnight Sleep Expert, Sally Bonser, has shared some tips to help your little ones sleep soundly through, even while temperatures remain high.

Keep the bedroom cool
One of the reasons why the bedroom will feel so hot before you try to sleep is because the sun has been heating up the room throughout the day. Try to keep the curtains or blinds shut in the daytime to ensure the sun isn’t shining into the house. When bedtime approaches the room should be cooler, easing your child into a cosy sleep.

Switch to seasonal bedding
It is a good idea to switch up your children’s bedding to a more breathable tog that is suitable for summer. This will prevent them from overheating during the night yet, it will keep them extra comfy. The Silentnight Healthy Growth Breathable Pillow is perfect for warm summer nights. With its specially designed mesh sides, airflow is increased to promote breathability. The pillow can additionally be paired with the Silentnight Healthy Growth Calming Duvet, designed to stimulate a hug-like feeling while still preventing your child from being too hot.

A cooling bedtime routine
It is a good idea to give your children a cooler bath before bed. Lower the temperature of the water you would usually use to one that is nice and cool (but not freezing). The cool water should help to reduce their body temperature[2], ensuring they don’t overheat before bedtime. After a refreshing bath, keep the routine as relaxing as possible with the Silentnight Wellbeing Kids Weighted Blanket. Designed to relax the nervous system and create the feeling of a cosy hug, the weighted blanket will help to ease your child into a deep and comfortable sleep that is less likely to be disturbed.