Sleep more comfortably during summer nights by placing your mattress on the floor, and here are three additional tips to enhance your slumber.
Turning the bedroom into a chilly oasis during a heatwave? Pull up a chair by the refrigerator and snooze away soundly with your head nestled in the vegetable crisper, right? Wrong! But we've got a funky and unexpected hack that actually works for cooling down your expansive slumber sanctuary – your mattress – and it involves ditching your bed frame for some kitchen tiles or hardwood floor.
Tossing your mattress onto a cold material surface below will suck the heat out of your mattress, leaving you shivering peacefully through the night. Just think about seeking refuge in the shade of a tree during a sweltering day – that's exactly what placing your mattress on tile or hardwood floor does!
You know those premium mattresses we've tested? They all benefit greatly from having the correct foundation. So pay heed to our advice when moving your mattress to the floor – but steer clear of carpets. Let's explore more:
The Perks of a Floor Mattress
Consider the refreshing sensation when you find shelter beneath the shade of a tree during a scorching summer day – that's essentially what placing your mattress on a cold surface does. When heat radiates from the bed, it seeps into the chilled, below-the-bed surface. And this steady extraction of heat happens throughout the night, as cold floors offer minimal insulation.
This quick-fix provides immediate relief on heated nights. However, for long-term mattress health, follow these cautious measures:
- Construct a thin layer barrier between your mattress and the floor. A bunkie board or tatami mat should do fine, but stay away from anything too thick that could reintroduce some insulation.
- Regularly air out your mattress during the day. Propping it on its side will let fresh air circulate, preventing the growth of mold or mildew in your bed (remember, hardwood floors may release heat, but they don't let moisture circulate).
If lugging your bed around the home to locate the coolest spot seems excessive, tossing down a Japanese floor mattress could be up your alley. These lightweight beds might not be ideal for long-term comfort yet are inexpensive and simple to move.
Caveat: before ditching the bed frame this summer, be aware that the wrong flooring can ironically make your mattress warmer. So heed this valuable advice: steer clear of carpeted areas!
When using a floor mattress to cool off, avoid areas with a carpet. When you place your mattress on the floor, you limit the airflow, allowing only the sides and top to function as escape routes. Tile or hardwood floors don't face this problem, as the warmth just gets absorbed into the colder material beneath. However, a carpet serves merely as insulation, trapping the heat in.
So, if you're confined to placing your mattress on a carpet, stick to the bed frame. But don't fret – we've got more ideas to help you stay cool at night!
Alternatives to Cool Down Your Mattress
When you've been picturing glaciers to help you sleep, you'll be willing to try anything to maintain a comfortable temperature as the mercury rises. So when putting your mattress on the floor isn't an option, give these strategies a whirl:
- Invest in Cooling Bedding: Swap the heavy blankets for lightweight, breathable linens that effectively wick away warmth, keeping you at the perfect temperature for nodding off. Choose eco-friendly materials like wool, linen, and bamboo for their natural breathability.
- Warm Shower: Take a counterintuitive approach and immerse yourself in a warm shower to promote sleep. The heat causes your body temperature to rise while you're under the stream. Upon exiting the shower, your core temperature will drop, ultimately leaving you feeling more comfortable when it's time to hit the hay.
- Choose the Right Mattress: If excessive heat disrupts your sleep year-round, perhaps it's time to upgrade to a cooling mattress. Our tested cooling mattresses help the sleep experts maintain comfort even during the dog days of summer. These mattresses have cooling features like heat-wicking materials or the advanced cooling technology of smart mattresses – although they come with a price. Alternatively, select a mattress with a more breathable structure – the best hybrid mattresses distribute air more efficiently, while the organic mattresses composed of latex foam and wool are naturally cooling.
- Embracing the sleep-friendly materials in the realm of health-and-wellness and home-and-garden, consider investing in cooling bedding for a comfortable slumber during summer nights. Opt for lightweight, breathable linens like wool, linen, or bamboo for effective heat wicking.
- Adopting a lifestyle tip for a better night's rest, take a counterintuitive warm shower before bed to promote sleep. The rise in your body temperature while under the shower will trigger a subsequent drop once you exit, making you feel more comfortable falling asleep.
