In many parts of the world, winter brings months of snow and freezing weather. As the temperatures tumble, you might be tempted to crank up the heater to stay toasty especially if you often crawl into bed shivering. But, keeping the thermostat low can save on utility bills. Also, keeping your bedroom temperature slightly cool — between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit (15-19 degrees Celsius) can help you sleep better. This has been found to be the optimal temperature range for sleep.
So, how can you keep warm without turning your heat on full blast? Here are some practical tips.
Find a Toasty Pair of Pajamas
There’s nothing better than a cozy pair of winter pajamas to raise your body temperature. The right PJs will keep you comfortable and warm on even the chilliest nights.
Thermal pajamas are great. They are soft, warm and lightweight so you won’t feel weighed down in bed. And, they will keep you from overheating, as well. Another good choice is a pair of flannel PJs. These are comfortable and warm enough so you don’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night shivering.
Put On a Comfy Pair of Socks
When your feet are cold, it can be hard to fall asleep. Wearing socks to bed can help you fall asleep faster especially if your feet get cold at night. That’s because the warmth you get from wearing socks helps improve blood flow. This can make you feel more comfortable. Choose socks made of cashmere or merino wool. Make sure they are not too tight.
Use a Warm Duvet
Wearing socks to bed and thermal pajamas may not be enough to keep you warm if the weather is especially harsh. You also have to make sure your bedding is up to par. That may mean that you need to invest in a good-quality duvet. Select a thick, warm duvet that will keep you nice and toasty. When choosing a duvet, pay attention to the “TOG” rating. This acronym stands for Thermal Overall Grade. It is a rating of how warm a duvet is. A higher TOG number means that the duvet will be warmer. However, you don’t want to go for the highest possible recommended TOG rating because then you might get too warm, especially if you tend to be warm. A good TOG rating for a winter duvet is between 13.5 and 15.
As far as the materials go, choose down or wool. They offer a great amount of insulation and warmth. Both of these materials are heavier, which can help lull you off to sleep. Both have moisture-wicking properties and help regulate temperature.
Switch to Flannel Sheets
As the colder weather creeps in, it’s time to swap out your summer sheets for warmer ones. Flannel sheets have all others beat when it comes to warmth. Plus, they are super soft and comfortable. To choose the best flannel sheets, take note of their weight. Flannel sheets are measured by weight in per square meter (or GSM). The higher the weight, the cozier. Look for sheets that are at least 170-225 GSM. These are the warmest, and highest quality sheets.
Do Some Light Exercise
Exercising before bed during the cold months can help you warm up by increasing your body temperature. Research has also shown that it can also help you sleep better. Just make sure you avoid strenuous activities like high-intensity training within a couple of hours leading up to bedtime. Intense workouts before bed can impact your sleep. Instead, do a low-impact exercise like yoga or light stretching.
Enjoy a Warm Cup of Tea
Winding down with a caffeine-free cup of tea is perfect for your winter bedtime routine. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day. Besides helping relax you before bed, a warm tea can help take the chill off. Choose a tea like a chamomile or valerian that has sedative properties.
Warm Up With a Heated Blanket
Electric blankets provide instant warmth at the touch of a button. Cuddling up with one can help you stay nice and warm on those bitterly cold nights. Make sure you unplug the electric blanket before going to sleep if it doesn’t have an auto-off. Also, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the blanket.
Cuddle Up With Your Partner
Snuggling with your better half can keep you nice and toasty. Sharing body heat is a great way to stay warm. When puppies get cold, they snuggle up close to one another. Humans do the same to keep warm. We normally lose heat to the environment. But, when we have skin contact with another person, it prevents some of the heat from being lost.
In addition, cuddling releases oxytocin, which can help you feel more calm and relaxed — making it easier to fall asleep.
Run Your Ceiling Fan
Do you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom? You may be tempted to turn it off during the winter, thinking it’s just for the summertime, but ceiling fans can help you stay warm without cranking the thermostat up. Set the blades to run clockwise in the winter. Warm air naturally rises. Turning your fan blades clockwise helps push warm air down towards you.
Light Your Fireplace
Snuggling in front of the fireplace is the perfect way to wind down at night. An hour before bed, take your favorite book and cozy up in front of the fireplace. This is an excellent bedtime routine that can help you warm up, and prepare for bed.
Move Your Bed
Cold outside air can seep in through your windows, making the space nearby quite a bit cooler. So, if your bed is located close to the window, move it to the other side of the room. This can help you stay considerably warmer.
Being cold is uncomfortable and can affect your sleep. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to stay cozy and sleep better no matter how cold it gets. The above tips can help.
