Too hot at night? Here's how to get a good sleep amid the summer heat

Struggling to sleep through the Kiwi summer heat? Beat the sweat and snooze cool with these eight genius heatwave hacks.

As temperatures rise across New Zealand this summer, catching quality zzz’s feels nearly impossible—especially with the humidity cranking up the discomfort.

To stop you from tossing and turning all night, we’ve rounded up the top eight heatwave hacks to keep you cool, fresh, and sweat-free until morning.

1. Freeze your sheets

Sounds quirky, but chilling your sheets or pillowcase in the fridge or freezer (in a plastic bag) for a few minutes before bed can deliver instant cool relief.

2. Sleep solo

Sharing your bed raises body heat. If you can, claim the bed solo. If your partner refuses to budge, try sleeping on the floor or a spare mattress - cool air hugs the ground.

3. Take a cold shower

A quick cold shower before bed lowers your core temperature, helping you drift off feeling refreshed and cool.

4. Shut the curtains

Up to 30% of unwanted heat sneaks in through windows. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day, then open windows at night to let in cool air.

5. Ice your fan and feet

Set a bowl of ice in front of a fan for an instant chill boost. Or freeze a water-filled hot-water bottle and place it at your feet - wrap it in a cloth if it’s too cold.

6. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water - dehydration makes it harder for your body to cool down. Keep a glass by your bed to sip during the night.

7. Use your heat pump’s cooling mode

Many heat pumps double as air conditioners. Flip the switch to cooling mode and keep your room comfortably cool - just don’t forget to clean the filters.