The festive television adverts are out in full force, and the cold weather is creeping in. Winter is here. This month, Simon Williams from the National Bed Federation shares his top tips for staying warm in bed during those long cold nights!
Temperatures are usually at their lowest in the early hours, and for many, being too cold can impact our sleep.
What is the ideal sleep temperature for the bedroom?
Your body heat peaks late afternoon and then starts to drop in the evening to prepare your body for sleep, kickstarting melatonin production. An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C (60-65°F), anything colder, and you might struggle to drop off.
What is the best mattress for keeping cosy at night?
It’s crucial to have the right mattress – for you! – which is warm, comfortable, and supportive. There’s a wide selection of bed types and mattress fillings that help to regulate temperature and keep you warm. But remember, mattresses themselves don’t create heat, and people can get hot or cold on beds of all constructions. Memory foam, for example, is a good insulator and is better for heat retention than springs.
However, manufacturers are developing various solutions for climate control, including the latest gel foam technology where tiny gel beads change from a solid to a liquid state to deliver a cooling effect. Additionally, the use of smart fabrics on the mattress sleeping surface helps regulate body temperature. Silk, cashmere, mohair and other fine, natural fibres inside a mattress can also have additional insulation properties – keeping you warm and cosy in bed at night without the risk of overheating. Flotation beds – better known as water beds – also have variable temperature heaters to keep the bed warm and cosy. Remember to buy a bed made by an approved NBF member – look for the NBF approved label.
Alternatives to buying a new bed
If buying a new bed isn’t on the agenda, electric blankets are ideal. Fleecy under-blankets will warm the bed up before you turn in for the night and retain the heat, while over-blankets maintain a constant temperature throughout the night.
Here are our top tips on how to keep warm in bed this winter
- Keep the bedroom warm, but not too hot and free from draughts.
- Avoid a saggy bed. It may be nice to cuddle up for warmth, but it can be very uncomfortable and clammy when you roll towards each other in a bed that doesn’t give you the correct support.
- Choose a duvet with a high tog rating or use several layers of bedding rather than one single layer. Layers trap warm air and you can easily remove them if you get too hot.
- A hot water bottle is an ideal way to keep warm once in bed. Make sure it has a cover on it to avoid scalding and also so that it won’t feel cold in the middle of the night. Microwavable wheat bags are also becoming a popular alternative to hot water bottles.
- Have a bath before bed to warm you up and make a hot caffeine-free drink to sip on before drifting off.