A south facing bedroom
Short answer: A south facing bedroom gets plenty of sun and can become warm, especially in summer. With blackout during the day, airing in the evening and light sleepwear, the room can stay cool enough for a good night's sleep.
The sun warms the room during the day
Windows facing south get sun for most of the day. The sun's rays pass through the glass and warm up the floor, furniture and bed. That heat stays in the room because it cannot escape back out through the glass in the same way. In the evening, furniture and walls give off the stored warmth, which is why the bedroom can be warmer at bedtime than it was at midday, just when you want it to cool down.
Keep the sun out during the day
The most effective way to keep a bedroom cool is to stop the sun getting in at all. External shading such as awnings or shutters works best, because the heat is stopped before it reaches the glass. Internal curtains and blinds help as well, especially light coloured or reflective ones. Close them in the morning before the sun hits the window, and keep the window shut during the hottest hours of the day.
Air the room in the evening
Once the sun has set and the air outside is cooler than inside, it is time to air the room. Open the window wide, ideally with another window on the opposite side of the home open too, so you get a cross draught. Leave it open as long as it is cooler outside than in. A fan can help move the air if there is no breeze.
Sleepwear for warm nights
On warm nights, light sleepwear is often more comfortable than sleeping without anything, because the fabric absorbs sweat and does not stick to the skin. Choose a light fibre that wicks moisture away. Shorts or light long trousers and a thin top are a good choice. See night pants for men and sleepwear for light styles for summer.
In the morning
In a south facing bedroom the summer sun comes in early, and the light can wake you before you are ready. Blackout curtains keep out both light and heat. If you get up early and sit on the balcony or in the garden, it can still be cool, and a light hoodie is handy. See bamboo hoodie for men, which is easy to pull on over your sleepwear.
Winter in a south facing bedroom
In winter the sun is an advantage. It warms the room for free during the daylight hours. Open the curtains during the day so the sun can come in, and close them when it gets dark so the warmth stays inside. That can give you a comfortable bedroom without turning the radiator up very much.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the bedroom warmer in the evening than during the day
Furniture, floor and walls have stored the sun's heat and release it in the evening. Air the room when it is cool outside.
Is it better to sleep without clothes when it is hot
Not necessarily. Light sleepwear absorbs sweat and can feel more comfortable than bare skin against the sheet.
Do indoor curtains help against heat
Yes, a little. External shading is more effective because it stops the heat before it reaches the glass.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
