Summer! It’s great for so many different reasons and arguably the best season of the year. Longer days, kids out of school, vacations, and so much more. There’s nothing really to hate about this glorious season except for a lack of sleep! These warmer months can cause quite a disruption in our sleep patterns. Discover some of the most common reasons our sleep gets disrupted in summer and what we can do to resolve these issues.

The most natural cause of sleep disruption is caused by an effect in our hormones due to longer days and excessive sunlight. Melatonin is regulated by sunlight and is produced in our bodies when it’s dark. The sunlight triggers our brains to stay awake which makes it harder to fall asleep at your usual bedtime when the sunsets are much later.

To make it easier to fall asleep and stimulate melatonin production, invest in a good pair of quality blackout curtains. Try to get your bedroom as dark as possible so you fall asleep faster and stay sleeping longer. Avoid having bright lights on and when possible do not use electronic devices at least an hour before bed.

Is it just us, or do you feel like your social life gets better in the summer? Summer is the time when friends gather for lake days, BBQs, parties, and family vacations. Naturally, at these fun get-togethers, you are prone to drinking more. Drinking too much can cause you to get a restless night’s sleep. Alcohol decreases deep sleep and can cause headaches or a dry mouth that can be uncomfortable.

When you’re out on the lake or hanging out with friends, limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated so you’ll sleep better. Limiting the amount of alcohol to sleep better is something you should do year-round and not just in the summer.

In Texas, there is no other way to describe the weather other than to say it’s hot! We’re no strangers to triple-digit temperatures. The battle to keep our homes cool is ongoing from May to September. Unfortunately, the warmer weather can make it more difficult to sleep especially for people who do not have air conditioners. The ideal temperature for sleeping is anywhere from 60 to 67 degrees. For homes without air conditioners, this temperature will be hard to reach due to the ambient air temperature hotter during the summer.

We recommend setting your air conditioner to a temperature that you’ll feel comfortable at. 65 degrees is usually a great setting. You can even buy a mattress with cooling technology such as a Tempur-Pedic Flex Supreme Breeze 2.0 Mattress. The cover on this bed uses innovative cooling technology that has an immediate cool-to-the-touch feeling. If you do not have an air conditioner, turn on ceiling or house fans and keep your curtains closed during the day to keep your home cooler.

We hope you have a great summer and sleep great with these helpful tips!