How to stay cool and sleep better during a heatwave
While the sun is great while you want to have fun - it can be hard when you're hoping to work, or sleep - and keeping your home cool can be tricky.
Chris Michael, chair of air treatment specialists Meaco - they do more than just dehumidifiers - shares his favourite ways to stay cool.
Five ways to stay cool and get a restful night's sleep this summer
1. Use a cold water bottle
Fill your hot water bottle with water and freeze it before bedtime. This makes a simple and effective ice pack to keep you cool overnight without adding to your energy bill.
2. Close blinds and curtains
Direct sunlight through windows quickly heats up your home. Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, especially those facing south. Once the temperature drops in the evening, open them to let cooler air in.
3. Take warm showers
Although it seems counterintuitive, a warm shower before bed helps the body regulate its temperature more effectively. Cold showers can trigger the body to generate heat, whereas a warm shower encourages the body to cool down naturally.
4. Buy a fan (ideally before the rush)
As soon as warm weather is forecast, fans start to sell out quickly. Buying a high-quality air circulating fan in advance ensures you're ready. Look for reputable brands with strong reviews and clever features like ECO mode to save energy.
For bedroom use, choose a quiet fan. Loud fans can disturb sleep, so consider models that are Quiet Mark accredited and include Night Mode for uninterrupted rest. Low energy consumption is also key, especially if you plan to run the fan all night.
5. Check windows and doors
Gaps around windows and doors can let in heat during summer just as they let out heat in winter. Sealing these gaps is a quick, cost-effective way to keep your indoor space cooler with less effort.
How a MeacoFan can help you keep your home cool this summer
With Quiet Mark accreditation, Meaco fans are ideal for bedrooms, children's rooms and home offices, as they include timers, temperature sensors, night modes, and intuitive controls to help you stay focused, relaxed, and well-rested.
Meaco has expanded its quietest and most energy-efficient fan line with the new MeacoFan Sefte® 8' Portable Battery Powered Air Circulator.
It offers mains or battery operation, making it ideal for use at home, while travelling, or outdoors. The replaceable battery extends the fan's life far beyond that of typical sealed battery models, aligning with upcoming EU regulations and reducing waste.
The 8-inch model joins the Sefte 10' Table and 10' Pedestal Air Circulators, recently named Best in Category by Which? for their outstanding performance, quiet operation and build quality.
Recommended reading
How a fan can help you sleep in a heatwave
With better sleep being the number one reason people buy a fan, it's worth investing in one that's quieter, more energy-efficient, and ideally features a dedicated night mode.
Meaco has a glow-in-the-dark remote control to make it easier to adjust settings without turning on a light.
It's also worth thinking ahead for long-term use, low energy costs and comfort, to help you stay cool through this summer and many more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I quit my £43K job in the UK to be a grape-picker in Italy and have ZERO regrets – I don't get paid but I'm so happy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AFTER going through an intense break-up, one Brit quit her £43,000 corporate job for a less traditional path. Ayla Lannen swapped out her nine-to-five marketing job for the Italian countryside, becoming a full-time grape picker. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Ayla Lannen left London for the Italian countryside, where she now works as a grape picker Credit: KennedyNews/@fromayla 4 Ayla left her marketing nine-to-five to pursue an 'unconventional' lifestyle in Italy Credit: KennedyNews/@fromayla And now the 27-year-old is urging other young people to follow in her foot steps. In a bid to break out of her "monotonous" routine and avoid "burn-out", Ayla sought out a slower pace of life in rural Italy. She was also spurred on by the end of her three-year relationship, which led her to re-evaluate her values. Unique benefits Last month, the former marketing engagement manager flew from London to the Italian countryside to take an unpaid job picking grapes at a winery every day. And while she doesn't receive an income, there are other benefits to Ayla's set-up. All her meals and her accommodation are included as part of the deal. And she insists that she's getting paid more than enough in experience and core memories. Core memories Ayla added that she's learned more in her weeks working at the winery than in the years she spent climbing the corporate ladder. Now a certified fruit-picker, she said she plans to eventually return to London but to work in hospitality so that she can maintain the "flexibility" to travel that her new lifestyle brings. "I learned a lot in my old job but I felt like something was lacking and missing from my life," said Ayla, who is originally from Sydney, Australia. I ditched my retail job in the UK for island paradise…rent is just £225, dinner costs £2 & our poolside office has a spa "I was spending four hours a day commuting into work. It was getting monotonous and repetitive." Anticipating an eventual "burn out", she asked herself: "Do I really want to keep grinding every day for my paycheck and not really have anything to show for it?" "I had time to reevaluate the trajectory of where I wanted to be," she explained. So when Ayla stumbled upon a website advertising grape-picking near the neighbourhood of Tortona, Italy, it called to her. A week later, she had moved her life into the Italian countryside, where she spends her mornings and evenings working among the vineyards. How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre. You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service. If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre. If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools. "I really wanted to have that authentic experience of working in a winery," she said. "I'm just in the fields picking grapes - it's awesome. The family is teaching us about what the whole process entails." She added that her love for wine is part of the reason why she chose this unique opportunity. Ayla added that the quiet countryside has also given her time to reflect. "There is no timeline and it's your life at the end of the day. Never live your life for someone else," she said. "I definitely recommend it - it's an amazing experience. It's everything I've ever needed at this time in my life." And she pointed out that the "unconventional" lifestyle doesn't have to be forever. "I think it'll actually make me a better worker if I ever go back into corporate," Ayla said. More on living abroad And a family who left the UK for Lanzarote and are now saving hundreds on bills. And another woman swapped UK life for Spain and said it feels like a full-time holiday. Plus, a woman who left her kids in the UK to "start over" on a party island says more mums should follow her lead. Another woman left the UK and now only works 13 hours a week and forks out just £10 on her food shop. And a Brit who quit her life as a waitress and moved abroad, enjoying a £2-a-day "chef". 4 The grape picker said that her love of wine was another thing that spurred her to take the opportunity Credit: KennedyNews/@fromayla
Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
I'll sleep soundly through the next heatwave thanks to game-changing new item
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more After the driest Spring in almost 70 years, and a June that was dominated by heatwave after heatwave, it's safe to say that July has been a little anti-climactic in the weather department. But fear not — because the Met Office are predicting a much-needed return to dry conditions and higher temperatures in August. Hurrah! Alongside a trusty electric fan, a cooling blanket can make a real difference in helping you get a good night's sleep when the weather is hot and sticky. And while they're best known for their snuggly sherpa-lined blanket hoodies, this Oodie Cooling Blanket is one of the best ones on the market. Lightweight and seriously silky, this Oodie blanket is made from a breathable and moisture-wicking blend of nylon and elastane that'll work throughout the night to draw excess heat and moisture away from your skin. With an 'excellent' Qmax score of 0.32, it's instantly cooling — feeling 2-5°C cooler than your skin. Plus, it's also OEKO-TEK® certified — which means it's made from skin-friendly materials — and is totally fine to put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Simply choose from the seven different colours and patterns — from basic grey, to jazzy leopard print — and select whether you want a single or queen size blanket. Buy Now for £99 Loved by solo sleepers, people with partners who run particularly hot, and even pet parents, it's got heaps of 5* reviews — with shoppers seeming genuinely surprised by the impressive cooling technology. More Trending 'I brought this because I'm a very hot sleeper, and now I can never go back to normal blankets,' writes one happy customer. 'It's so soft and lightweight, and is cool enough that I no longer have to leave my legs outside of the blanket when I'm sleeping.' And if you're also in the market for some summer-friendly sleepwear, definitely browse Oodie's cooling pyjama collection. The Cooling Short Sleeve PJ Top comes in two different prints — Cloud or Love Candy — and makes a really light and airy set when paired with the Cloud Cooling PJ Short, or Love Candy Cooling PJ Short. Deemed 21% more breathable than regular cotton jersey, these ultra-breathable modal blend pyjamas are naturally cooling, softer than silk, and are also stretchy enough to move with you while you snooze. As someone who practically lives in their Pink Oodie™ Original during winter, I can confirm that the quality is unmatched . So – watch this space — as writing this was the only convincing I needed to now stock up on some of their cooling gear, too. Heatwave, here I come! Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Best buys to keep cool in this heatwave – from fans to cooling mists MORE: Sleep soundly this summer with Simba's innovative cooling technology MORE: I'm a shopping editor — these are the products I'm buying this week
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Top tips when designing a small bathroom
When it comes to designing a small bathroom, one of the main goals is to make the most of every square inch. From creating the illusion of space to choosing functional, stylish elements, there are many ways to make a compact bathroom feel open and airy. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... To provide inspiration when renovating an en suite or updating your main bathroom, Ashley Cooper, Marketing Director at Triton Showers has shared some of the best solutions that maximise space without compromising on style. Transform your shower into a wetroom 'If you're looking to make optimal use of space in a small bathroom, converting your shower into a wetroom is a great solution. By removing bulky trays and enclosures, you can create a seamless, open design that instantly makes the room feel larger and more luxurious. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad White-and-black ENlight® thermostatic electric shower with UNIQ® shower kit, priced from £369. 'For added space efficiency, consider corner installations or slimline shower trays, which optimise your layout without affecting performance. Wall-mounted fixtures and clear glass panels are also a handy way to reduce visual clutter, enhancing the sense of space and keeping the bathroom feeling airy and open. It creates a modern look that balances style and practicality, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to make the most of their bathroom design.' Embrace minimalism with space-saving solutions 'Key to creating a spacious feel in a small bathroom is keeping things clean, uncluttered and streamlined. Features such as flush fittings, minimalist fixtures and discreet drainage can make a big difference. These elements help eliminate unnecessary bulk and create a cleaner, more open space. 'If you're after a sleek and modern design, options like ENight ® are a great choice. With an integrated space-optimising kit, ENlight® creates a smooth, streamlined appearance that's ideal for minimalist schemes.' Optimise storage in small spaces with floating shelves 'Storage is always a challenge in compact bathrooms, but clever design choices can help keep things tidy without taking up valuable floor space. Floating shelves are a simple yet effective way to store everyday essentials while maintaining a bright feel. These shelves can be mounted above sinks or tucked into alcoves, providing a space-efficient storage solution that doesn't overcrowd the room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Opting for floating shelves in neutral tones or natural materials can soften the look of the room and create a more cohesive aesthetic. This design element not only looks stylish but also helps you make the most of the available space without losing out on functionality.' Next generation shower choices for flexible bathroom layouts 'Even the type of shower you choose can make a huge difference in how functional and flexible your bathroom layout is. Next generation showers such as Triton's ENVI ® electric shower are ideal for small bathrooms, offering innovative design features that allow you to free up valuable wall space. 'With ENVi®, the control panel can be installed up to three metres away from the main unit, allowing you to place it anywhere in the bathroom. This clever feature gives you more freedom to design your space without cluttering your shower area with bulky controls. It's perfect for maximising space while keeping your bathroom looking modern and neat.' Opt for a shower/bath combo Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If you're struggling to choose between incorporating a bath or a shower in your small bathroom, you don't have to decide. You can combine both features, offering a space-efficient solution that meets your needs. 'The key is to choose the right proportions and finishes to keep everything in balance. Opting for a compact bath and slim shower screens, for instance, can create a cohesive, functional design that doesn't feel cramped.
