In a past article, we noted Ozlo’s breakdown on the challenges of summer sleep quality, but finding a cure for those restless, overheated nights often requires a bit of creativity. For that, we are trying an unexpected but fascinating solution from The Guardian: “Cold feet: could putting your socks in the fridge help you through the heatwave?” According to the British Sleep Society president, placing lightly damp socks in the freezer for ten minutes before bed can significantly reduce your core temperature, making it easier for your body to transition into deep sleep. If you want to give this technique a try, we’d suggest sealing your socks in a bag to avoid stinking up your produce.

Refrigerating your footwear feels too extreme? You might consider taking a lukewarm shower instead, a method also suggested in “How to Safely Lower Your Body Temperature In Extreme Heat.” That article notes that using water that is too cold can actually backfire by trapping your core heat. Staying cool throughout the day also sets you up for better rest, so focus on drinking straight water rather than sports drinks unless you are exercising for more than an hour. You can further support your hydration with water-rich fruits like watermelon or oranges while swapping heavy meals for cold, lean proteins such as tuna salad or hard-boiled eggs. When the heat leaves you feeling drained, resist the urge to take over-the-counter pain relievers without a doctor’s clearance, as these can strain your liver and kidneys when you are overheated. Finally, be cautious with fans if your indoor temperature creeps above 95 degrees, because they may just circulate hot air and increase your body heat.

#GettingColdFeet