The simple bedroom trick to help you sleep better during a heatwave – as doctor warns of common mistake

The Sun

14 hours ago

CREATING the perfect bedroom temperature is key for sleeping better through hot summer nights.
And it can all come down to the precise position of your door, according to a sleep specialist.
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With temperatures set to exceed 30C in some parts of the England by the weekend, many Brits will be facing an uncomfortable night's rest.
But the way bedroom doors within sleeping spaces are positioned affects airflow patterns, says Dr Jordan Burns from AmeriSleep.
Depending on the angle chosen, it can create cooling cross-ventilation or trap heat.
"Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space," Dr Burns said.
"A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning."
Dr Burns recommends keeping bedroom doors fully open during daytime hours if the rest of the home is cooler, allowing for maximum air exchange between spaces.
This approach works particularly well for rooms that receive direct sunlight.
"When outside temperatures climb higher than those inside your home, keeping your bedroom door wide open allows cooler air from north-facing rooms to circulate throughout," he said.
"This creates a natural current that pushes hot air up and out while drawing cooler air in from below."
For night-time cooling, however, he recommends a more precise approach to door positioning.
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"The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees," Dr Burns explained.
"This specific position creates what fluid dynamics calls a 'venturi effect' that accelerates airflow through the narrower opening, pulling hot air out more efficiently than a fully open door would."
Many people make the common mistake of either leaving doors completely open or fully closed during hot weather.
But a completely open door actually slows down airflow in many cases because the opening is too large to create the pressure differentials that drive air movement, said Dr Burns.
He added: "Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep."
And door positioning must work together with window management for maximum cooling effect.
"If your windows and door create a straight-line path, you'll generate the strongest possible airflow through your bedroom," Dr Burns said.
"The ideal setup in UK homes is having your bedroom door at 45 degrees with windows open on the opposite wall, creating a direct pathway for air movement."
Furniture placement in relation to door positioning is also important.
He also advised keeping furniture at least 30cm away from the door swing path.
Tall wardrobes or dressers near doors can block airflow and create stagnant air pockets where heat accumulates.
For flats and apartments where cross-ventilation options are limited, Dr Burns recommends changing door positions throughout the day based on sun exposure and temperature variations.
"In single-aspect flats, try keeping your bedroom door closed during the day if that room receives direct sunlight," he said.
"Then open it to precisely 45 degrees at night when the rest of the flat has cooled down."
Research from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government found that certain homes are particularly vulnerable to overheating, including "flats on the top floor because heat rises" and "homes with opening windows on just one side of the property, as this means there is less ventilation through the home."
Dr Burns pointed out that proper door positioning can help address these exact vulnerabilities.
"For top floor flats, keeping bedroom doors positioned at 45 degrees at night helps draw cooler air up from lower levels of the building," he said.
"For single-aspect properties, strategically angling your bedroom door creates a secondary airflow path that compensates for the lack of cross-ventilation from windows."
And the sleep expert suggests a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling.
"Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame," he explained.
"If it moves toward the door, you're successfully drawing air through the room. If it remains still or moves away, adjust your window and door configuration until you achieve proper airflow.
"Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home.
"Door positioning is a cost-free intervention that can improve your sleeping environment while reducing both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options."
Other ways to keep cool at night during the heat
Use fans
Strategically position fans to circulate air, potentially placing a tray of ice in front of it for a cooling effect.
Cool down your bed
Consider using a thin cotton sheet, chilling socks in the fridge, or even freezing your sheets briefly.
Take a cool shower or bath
Taking a lukewarm or cool shower or bath before bed can help lower your body temperature.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and night, but avoid excessive amounts right before bed to prevent waking up.
Wear light clothing to bed
Opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Consider your sleeping position
Sleeping on your side can help with heat dissipation.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
These can disrupt sleep and dehydrate you, making it harder to stay cool.