Can’t sleep in the NZ humidity? Discover the Egyptian method for sleeping in heat and other local hacks to keep you cool tonight. Wake up feeling refreshed!
If you’re currently lying in bed staring at the ceiling, wondering if it’s socially acceptable to sleep in the freezer, you aren’t alone. This NZ summer heat is no joke, especially when the humidity kicks in and your bedroom starts feeling like a literal sauna. But before you give up on sleep entirely, you need to know about the Egyptian method for sleeping in heat.
It sounds a bit strange, but bear with me. The “Egyptian Method” involves taking a sheet (or a large towel), soaking it in cool water, and then running it through the spin cycle of your washing machine so it’s damp but not dripping. You then use this damp sheet as your blanket. As the water evaporates, it draws the heat away from your body, acting like a natural air conditioner.
Pro tips for making it work:
** airflow is key:** You need a fan or a window open to help that evaporation process along.
Protect your mattress: Put a dry towel or a waterproof protector underneath you so you don’t end up with a soggy bed.
Cotton only: Stick to natural fabrics; synthetics will just make you feel like you’re trapped in a plastic bag.
It might feel a bit weird the first time you try it, but when the mercury stays in the 20s all night, it’s a total game-changer. Combine it with a lukewarm shower before bed and you might actually get those eight hours of shut-eye you’ve been dreaming of. Give it a go tonight and let us know if it works for you—or if you’ve got an even crazier hack for beating the heat!
