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It may be freezing out there, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep the heating on all night. If you find yourself shivering a great deal under your blanket, you’ll be glad to know that keeping warm in bed is easier than you think.
Studies have shown that our bodies need to reach a certain temperature before we can get to sleep. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep at night due to the cold, read on to find out about the five ways you can stay warm in bed this winter without putting the heating on.
This one is self-explanatory. The more you wear, the warmer you’ll stay. But it’s not just about layers. Consider buying pyjamas with thermal layers. That way, you’ll protect yourself from drafts throughout the night and help keep your body at a good temperature. You could also try keeping an extra blanket to the side to use throughout the night. Using layers of blankets will create insulation and trap air, keeping you extra toasty throughout the night.
The cold air can easily make its way into your house through the window frames, under-door gaps and keyholes. So, be smart this winter by blocking those areas and keeping the cold air out. This way, you’ll keep your house warm throughout the night and prevent your room from getting cold. You could buy draught excluders which go in front of doors and blocks the wind. The best part about these is that no drilling or DIY is required.
If you want to save money on electricity bills and stay warm at night, consider using a hot water bottle or microwaveable wheat bag. A hot water bottle can pre-heat your bed and will help keep you warm throughout the night. You can also use it to rest on and keep close to your body before bed as well as in a bed. Another great option is the microwaveable wheat bag which is great but not as effective as a hot water bottle. A wheat bag is filled with English wheat and lavender buds which helps the body to relax whilst acting as a sleep aid.
Some of us might still be using those thin blankets we were using in the summer, which is why it’s time for a change. In the UK, duvets come with a tog value which is a measure of thermal insulation. In the winter, your blanket is recommended to have a tog value of 13.5 – 15. Alternatively, you could switch to a wool or cotton fleece blanket, which is great in trapping body heat in comparison to synthetic fibres.
The winter is no time for ice cream or cold drinks. Review your meals and consider adding foods that will keep your body warm for longer. From soups and stews to porridge and seafood, some foods do a great job of warming your body than others. You could also try drinking ginger tea before bed which will help in bringing your body to the perfect temperature. Whatever you choose to eat for supper, be sure to eat at least 3 hours before you make your way to bed.