The chilly winter temperatures can make it harder to get cosy in bed, but luckily there are some simple changes you can make to fall asleep faster and stay warmer
With Christmas over and done with for another year but the new year still a couple of days away, many people will be enjoying spending some time at home.
But the chilly winter temperatures might have meant you’ve had the heating on more than usual to keep your home cosy for the festive period. So if you’re looking to save money and bring down your energy bills again after an indulgent few days, one time of day to make some changes is at night.
You don’t need to have the heating on to get a peaceful night’s sleep, according to an expert. In fact, you can stay warm in bed and “fall asleep faster” by making some simple changes to your bedroom.
Lisa Davis, Product Advisor at Opera Beds, has shared five simple hacks to keep your bedroom warm this winter. The first thing she recommends is rearranging your furniture.
“Positioning your bed on interior walls is generally best, as these walls are less prone to temperature fluctuations and allow consistent warmth throughout the night,” she explained. “It would help if you also placed the bed away from windows, as even the most insulated windows can lose heat and let in cold draughts.
“Avoid blocking radiators with furniture, which can limit their efficiency, and consider putting a rug on hard floors to add insulation and reduce heat loss.”
Another important step is to ensure you block out all draughts. Lisa suggests using weather stripping and window film on windows and doors, noting that this “can have a much bigger impact than you might expect”. She continues: “To find any draughts in your home, you can feel for air movement around doors, windows, floorboards, beams, skirting boards, and air conditioning units.
“You can also use the easy trick of holding a lit match near potential leaks to see if it flickers. Keep doors to unused rooms closed to concentrate warmth where you need it most and use a draught excluder to block chilly air from under doors. “
To retain warmth in your bedroom, Lisa says it’s important to close any curtains after the sun sets. She recommends using curtains with a thermal lining, as they are particularly effective at insulating against cold air from windows.
“The best curtain materials for retaining warmth are thick, heavy fabrics like wool, velvet, or fleece,” she said. “If you’re on a budget, use a shower curtain behind regular curtains as an extra layer.”
There are some simple swaps to your bedding that can help, too. Using flannel or brushed cotton sheets in the colder months can help you feel warmer as they help retain body heat. By adding multiple layers like a duvet, throw blankets or even a weighted blanket, you can make it easier to adjust your warmth through the night.
Lisa continued: “Investing in a good-quality winter duvet with a high tog, between 10.5 and 13.5, is best. Opt for insulating materials like wool or fleece for better heat retention, and consider a mattress topper for added warmth; memory foam or wool are great options.”
Finally, consider using a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. You can make your bed cosier by using a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed or on your stomach. “Ensure your bottle is in good condition with no leaks and don’t use it directly on your skin,” Lisa advises.
“Pre-warming the bed, especially around your feet, can help you relax and fall asleep faster. We recently found that running an electric blanket is 60X cheaper than central heating, at just 2.5p an hour on average. So, an electric blanket is also a great option to heat your bed and keep a consistent warmth through the night. However, never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.”
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