This old technique calls back to legends of how ancient Egyptians used to stay cool on hot nights. Simply soak a sheet or blanket large enough to cover you in cold water, then wring it dry so it’s damp and cool, but not dripping wet. Then just use it as a blanket. As the water evaporates, you get the benefit of staying cool but not wet.
There are a few more common variations on this theme, like the cold washcloth or ice pack on your head or wrists while you sleep, or going to bed with cool, damp (but again, not wet) socks on to keep your feet cool and you comfortable enough to fall asleep.
These are just a few ways you can try to stay comfortable enough to sleep if you don’t have a lot of control over where you sleep or the building you’re sleeping in. If you have a vented attic or skylight, open that up to let the hot air that’s risen to the top of the room out. If you have a downstairs or basement you can sleep in, it might be cooler down there and worth moving for a night or two.
Hopefully these suggestions help you stay cool while you ride out the heat wave. It’s important to get a good night’s sleep, so make sure to prepare for it ahead of time so you don’t spend hours prepping your new, cooler bed that you could have spent sleeping in it. Stay cool!
