As the chill of winter sets in, finding ways to sleep comfortably through the colder nights is essential. Falling temperatures can make it challenging, but with the right sleeping tips and tricks, you can still get a good night’s sleep. Sleepyhead has you covered with the best tips for a great night’s sleep in winter so you wake up feeling revived and restored.
Stay warm and cosy
One effective sleeping tip to ensure you’re at the ideal temperature for sleep is to have a warm (not hot!) shower or bath before getting into bed. This will help relax your muscles, and the following drop in body temperature is one of the prime signals to your brain that your body is ready for sleep. If your bed is too cold or you tend to wake cold during the night, consider incorporating a hot water bottle into your bedtime routine. If you’re not keen on the idea of hot water in bed, there are also rechargeable electric or grain-filled microwaveable alternatives available. And don’t forget the warming power of socks!
Protect your mattress from spills and chills
Winter requires special care for your bed and bedding, starting with your mattress. To keep your mattress clean, dry, and warm, invest in a good quality mattress protector. This is not only crucial for sleep hygiene; it also adds an extra layer of insulation, helping retain heat. For added warmth and comfort, you can also use a soft mattress topper on top of the mattress – memory foam is famous for its warming qualities. And for little ones be sure to finish these insulating layers off with a waterproof protector for extra peace of mind. Sheets, duvets and pillows can be difficult to dry over winter, so check any care tags to see if your bedding can go in the machine and dryer, or needs special handling. Use protectors and covers where you can, and spot clean spills quickly before stains can set in. Be sure all bedding is completely dry before putting it back on your bed – damp bedding won’t keep you warm, and will be a prime candidate for mildew growth.
Keep your bed off the ground
Another winter sleeping tip is to position your bed strategically. Make sure your mattress is off the ground, and move your bed away from any exterior walls. Floors and walls conduct the cold from the outside, especially when they’re under-insulated, as they are in many New Zealand homes. This can cause condensation that can leads to dampness, and exacerbates the growth of mould and mildew. Choosing a bed base with sufficient ventilation ensures there’s airflow under your mattress to help prevent a buildup of moisture. Sleepyhead also designs mattress technologies - like our Smart Suspension Technology found in Swisstek mattresses - specifically to overcome this challenge.
Maintaining the ideal sleeping temperature
Your sleeping temperature needs to be just right, especially for winter sleep. A too-warm bedroom can make it hard to settle, and if you’re too cold you won’t be able to sleep soundly. Using bedroom heat pumps, panel or night-store heaters with automatic shut-off timers can help maintain this balance through the night. Full-length thermal or lined curtains are important for blocking breezes and drafts, providing a layer of insulation between your windows and your room. Additionally, consider the fabric of your sleepwear and bedding. Opt for natural materials like cotton or wool that support temperature regulation.
Invest in winter bed sheets and bedding
Choosing the correct winter bed sheets and bedding will make a big difference to your comfort, warmth and sleep quality. Winter bedding is designed to provide a snug sleeping environment and to help retain body heat. Natural materials are excellent for sheets, as they are woven to trap warmth while wicking moisture away so you stay dry. And a quality mattress topper with a breathable and wicking cover will be a comfortable and cosy addition, especially if your mattress is older. Consider a top layer like our Hush Luxury Alpaca & Wool duvet, which you can adjust to your preferred warmth by tying additional inners together. These are super effective for keeping out the cold, and won’t trap moisture next to your body like some synthetic blankets can do.
Get enough daylight
During winter, the shorter daylight hours can disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm, affecting your sleep patterns. Exposure to natural light during the day helps maintain these rhythms, promoting better sleep in winter. Try to spend time outdoors during daylight hours, especially first-thing in the morning to properly trigger your ‘wake up’ hormones. Don’t spend all day inside with the curtains drawn, no matter how horrible the weather is outside! Getting natural light during the day - even if it’s cloudy - is essential for keeping your internal clock aligned, which makes sure you’re ready to sleep when night rolls around.
Maintain regular exercise
Regular physical activity is vital year-round, but it becomes even more critical during the winter. Exercise helps tire your body naturally, promoting easier and more restorative sleep. We’re generally more active in the warmer months, but winter requires a more concerted effort. Adopt an exercise routine that suits the colder conditions, whether indoor exercise - yoga is a good option - gym sessions, or brisk walks. Keeping active not only supports your sleep but also boosts your overall health and mood during the dreary winter months.
Get the best sleep this winter!
Follow Sleepyhead’s sleeping tips to improve your sleep quality during the colder months. From warming up before bed to investing in the right mattress, bed base, and winter bedding, each tip will help you get a more restful winter night’s sleep.
Browse our range of bedding, bed bases, and mattresses to ensure you have everything you need to sleep better this winter.