I don’t know about you, but where I live in the UK, we’re currently enduring our third 30°C+ heatwave of the year, and at this point, I’ve tried every solution available to stay cool at home, especially at night.
Personally, I think there’s nothing worse than tossing and turning at night, can’t sleep in the heat, and I’m a hot sleeper at the best of times, so this weather is definitely *way* out of my comfort zone.
However, I have used every practical trick in the book when it comes down to it How to keep the bedroom coolI have to admit that there is an angle to cold sleep that I hadn’t considered.
what is it fragrance And yes, I know, essential oils don’t provide the same cool factor as investing in one. The best portable air conditioner. However, hear me out.
According to fragrance experts, the psychological *feeling* of being cool, as well as the ability of certain plant-based essential oils, has the power to calm our nervous system, ease heatwave-induced anxiety, and help us fall asleep more easily.
(Image credit: Future plc / Christogatin)
Lee Howes, head of fragrance for the bath and bodycare brand, explains, ‘Essential oils and absolutes have long been used for wellness benefits. lush‘And in this increasingly hot weather that we’re experiencing, some relief can be found in staples as well.’
If you’re also completely exhausted from the heat, you need these herbal companions on your radar, as well as how to best use each active ingredient to keep you cool as the mercury rises.
Fragrance formula for cool sleep
First, when you begin your nightly wind-down, if possible, start with a warm bath. And it’s warm, not *cold*. ‘It may seem natural to take a cold shower to cool off before bed, but surprisingly it’s not the most effective option,’ explains Dream’s sleep expert. cm ways.
‘A warm shower helps to gradually lower your body temperature as you get out of it,’ says Sammy, ‘triggering your body’s natural cooling process and promoting relaxation, which in turn makes it easier to fall asleep.’
(Image credit: Simple Bathroom)
While you’re in the shower, layer our expert-approved cooling fragrance first with a shower gel or body wash. Like, peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree.
‘The menthol in peppermint activates the skin’s cold-sensitive receptors,’ explains Claire Robertson, Bath, Body and Product Quality Manager. The scent of home the producers ARRAN Sense of Scotland. ‘This immediately creates a refreshing sensation. Meanwhile, eucalyptus adds light, tingly freshness.’
‘The menthol and eucalyptus content of peppermint and eucalyptus, respectively, have long been associated with cooling effects on both the skin and the mind,’ agrees Lee.
It is believed that they are able to activate certain receptors in our skin that do not actually lower our body temperature, but our brain. feeling of being cold.’
(Image credit: Aaron Sense Scotland)
And tea tree extract? ‘Tea tree also contains an ingredient that has a menthol-like effect,’ says Formulation Manager Fran and Herbal Advisor Nicola. Neil’s Yard. ‘It means that, like peppermint oil, it gives a mild cooling sensation when applied to the skin.’
Aran
Awakening Mint and Eucalyptus Natural Body Wash
As a recent reviewer says of this mint and eucalyptus body wash, it has a ‘great fresh but subtle scent… clean and fresh sensation. Great for the summer months.’
The Body Shop
Peppermint Invigorating Shower Gel
Made from freshly picked English peppermint, the peppermint essential oil in this shower gel provides natural menthol that provides a welcome cooling effect on the skin.
Holland and Barrett
Dr. Organic Tea Tree Body Wash 250 ml
I am using Organic Tea Tree Body Wash Dr Throughout the heatwave, and its refreshing tingle has definitely helped my skin feel cooler than it actually is.
No shower? No problem. ‘A warm bath can also help,’ says Claire, ‘Water removes heat from the skin much faster than air, so it does a real physiological job of lowering your body temperature.’
However, as with showers, ‘just avoid very cold water’, advises Claire. ‘This can actually trap body heat rather than release it.’
Once your body cools down a bit, it’s time to calm the mind too, and our experts say there’s no better de-stressor than lavender.
‘Lavender is known to help calm the nervous system and reduce stress hormones, easing you into a restful sleep,’ says Claire.
(Image credit: Future plc/Craig Wall)
‘Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation,’ agrees Lee. ‘Essential oils are high in linalool, and there is research suggesting that inhaling the aroma of linalool has a positive effect on receptors in our brain that facilitate a more peaceful and relaxed state. In turn, this creates the right structure to encourage an easier passage to sleep.’
Personally, I know a lot of my discomfort in the heat right now is ‘when will it end?’ Thinking comes from anxiety, so plant companions that can help me keep my balance and stay grounded are very welcome.
And you can also consider chamomile. Either through fragrance in a candle or body lotion, or through chamomile tea. ‘Chamomile tea acts as a mild sedative,’ Fran and Nicola explain, ‘calming the nervous system and reducing stress. It is considered a cooling herb due to its calming ability, promoting perspiration to release internal heat.’
Neal’s yard remedies
Lavender essential oil 10 ml
Naturally calming to the body and mind, lavender oil’s relaxing properties make it a popular choice for bedroom use. Add few drops to it diffuser Before you go to bed and let linalool soothe any hot weather anxiety.
‘It calms and relaxes me,’ says one reviewer of Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion, which contains nervous-system-relaxing lavender, as well as oat, tonka and cocoa.
Aran
Calming Lavender & Chamomile 20cl Candle
This candle contains lavender and chamomile essential oils, both of which ease the mind and bring balance, peace and emotional calm; In the high stress of a heatwave we could all do with more.
Now obviously, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also take all the practical steps possible to help you get a good night’s sleep.
I’ve been getting up early to make sure the windows on both sides of my house are open from 5am to 8am, to create a cross-breeze when it’s coldest outside; my Blackout blinds drawn all day to keep the sun out; And I have one Best fans The market opened to create a breeze at night.
(Image credit: Future plc/James French)
I have one too The best cooling mattress toppers On my bed, and I’m sleeping under a super lightweight Dohar Instead of my usual duvet, as well Camping downstairs in my living room during the worst heat.
However, I’ll still take all the help I can get to make these hot nights a little more bearable.
As Claire says, ‘With warmer nights forecast over the coming weeks, small changes to the evening routine can make a real difference to how well we sleep in the heat.’
So, leave, thank you, I’ll happily make the most of every cooling sensation and comfort-supporting property you’re willing to share right now.
