The Egyptian Method: Sleep Soundly Through Hot Summer Nights

Tossed and turned all night from suffocating heat? You're not alone—many lose precious sleep to scorching summer temperatures.

Thankfully, there's a straightforward, time-tested trick to rest easy even in sweltering conditions. Beyond fans or AC, the "Egyptian method" uses a damp sheet as a cooling blanket. Here's how it works:

Contents

• How to
• Result
• Additional tips

How to

1. Soak a sheet in cold water.

2. Wring it out by hand until damp but not dripping.

3. Lay a dry sheet (or towel) on your mattress and lie down.

4. Drape the damp sheet over you as a cooling blanket.

Result

Its evaporative moisture cools your body all night long, letting you sleep deeply despite the heat.

A towel works too if it's large enough to cover much of your body. For best results, spin the sheet in your washing machine first.

Additional tips

More proven ways to conquer summer heat:

• Sleep with arms and legs spread for better airflow.
• Lie on your side to cool faster.
• Spray a sheet with water, bag it, and freeze; use chilled before bed—barefoot, feet out.
• Flip pillows to the cooler side.
• Skip caffeine before bed.
• Spray equal parts 90° alcohol and water on skin for quick relief.