search
date/time
Lancashire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
11:18 AM 16th August 2022
frontpage

Tips On How To Sleep Through A Thunderstorm As Met Office Issues 3-Day Storm Warning

 
Photo by Micah Tindell on Unsplash
Photo by Micah Tindell on Unsplash
As the UK continues to struggle with soaring temperatures and the effects of last week's heatwave, things are about to take a turn with thunderstorms projected to hit the UK over the next 3 days.

It’s safe to say the weather has resulted in sleepless nights for thousands of people across the UK - and as the heatwave makes way for rumbling thunder, heavy downpours and bright lightning displays, it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any easier.

Don’t worry though - all is not lost according to Karen Yu, sleep expert at Zinus UK.
"It’s no surprise that after the last week of incredibly hot weather, people across the UK are keen to get a good night's sleep. While thunderstorms can be great for clearing the atmosphere, they also create their own challenges when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. However, there are a couple of small but effective things that restless sleepers can do to block storms out and get a peaceful night’s rest.”


Karen shares a few of her top tips on how to sleep during a summer thunderstorm:

1. Make Sure Your House is Secure

Thunderstorms can cause us to feel anxious, especially when it comes to the impact they can have on our homes and surroundings. After storm Arwen and Eunice, it’s understandable that people will be worried about what troubles the weather can bring.To help stave off these invasive thoughts, make a checklist of things to look at or secure before going to bed:

Doors and windows - Do the rounds before bed to make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked securely.

Outdoor furniture - Make sure any loose furniture like chairs and other objects are stored away safely. Any loose items in your garden, front lawn, or on a window ledge should be placed in a shed, garage or brought inside if needed.

Cars and vehicles - If possible, park your car in a garage or on a driveway for the night to keep them off the road. If this isn’t possible, try to park well away from trees.

Gutters - Blocked gutters can often be overwhelmed by heavy rainfall which can often lead to damage. Make sure your gutters are free from any obstructions including leaves, moss and debris.

2. Block Out Lightning Flashes

Lightning flashes can really disrupt our sleep, so blocking them out is one of the best tactics you can use. Blackout blinds and curtains can be a great way to block out any sudden flashes. Make sure they are fully closed so that light flashes don’t creep around the edges. If your curtains pull together, use a clothes peg or office clips to pull them together.

If you don't have any blackout blinds or curtains, a bath towel can do the trick too. Make sure it’s big enough to fully cover your windows to stop light at the edges to create a calm dark space in your bedroom.

3. Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, white noise - or even ASMR

Some people often find distant thunder and rain hitting a roof can help them feel calm. However, cracking thunder can often cause feelings of anxiety, especially when we’re left waiting for the next roll to hit. To help stay calm, start a podcast, audiobook or white noise session on your bedside speaker or through headphones and you’ll find yourself drifting off in no time. You can find hundreds of free white noise and ASMR videos free on Youtube.

4. Keep Cool Before Bed

This is easier said than done given the record temperatures we have had in the last week, but there are a few tricks you can use to help stay cool and reduce the temperature in your bedroom.

Use a fan - place your fan in a position where it can reach a good portion of your room. If possible, place a bowl of ice or a few ice packs in front of it to spread cool air around the room.

Use cool packs or a frozen hot water bottle - Put some cool packs in your bed before you get in. Place them down where your feet will be, in the centre and on pillows. Alternatively, fill a hot water bottle up with half cold water, put it in the freezer and place it in bed for 20 minutes before heading to bed.

Break Out the Natural Sheets - Sheets made of natural fibres like cotton and linen are more breathable and better for keeping you cool. If you have some switch your sheets out ASAP.

Shut down any electronics - Keeping your gadgets on standby might be convenient, but it does add heat to the room. Turn any electronics you don’t need off at the wall to conserve electricity and keep temperatures down.

5. Cuddle Up

Cuddling provides a whole host of physiological benefits. Chief among them is the release of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin which can help us feel safe and grounded - perfect for falling asleep. So don’t be afraid to team up with a thunder buddy to cuddle with while it lashes it down outside.

6. Create a Cosy Cocoon

If you’re a solo sleeper, a great way to keep the storms from disturbing your sleep is to create a cosy cocoon to sleep in. Add lightweight cosy materials like cotton or linen pillows and blankets to create a cosy hideaway that also keeps you cool and snuggle in.

7. Try Essential Oils

Certain Essential oils can help keep us calm and help our bodies get ready to power down for a good night's rest. Lavender is a perfect choice, but there are others that you can try like rose, chamomile ylang-ylang and jasmine to add something different.

You can use essential oils in a variety of forms. Oil burners are OK, but if your trying to keep temperatures down consider making your own pillow spray by combining your favourite oils with water and spraying it liberally on your bedding. Alternatively, oil diffusers are a great way to quickly fill your room with calming scent sensations before bed.

https://www.zinus.co.uk/