What to wear on the first warm night in May
Short answer: One day in May the first truly mild night arrives, when the winter duvet is suddenly far too warm and the bedroom feels heavy. The body has not yet adjusted to the warmth, and many people sleep badly. A little thought about sleepwear, bedding and air makes the transition easier.
Your body needs time to adjust
After a long winter, your body is set up for the cold. When the bedroom temperature suddenly rises to 20 degrees or more, it reacts with restlessness and sweating. It usually takes one to two weeks to get used to the warmer nights. During that period it makes sense to make it as easy as possible for your body to shed heat. That starts with what you wear and how you make the bed.
Light sleepwear or none at all
On warm nights many people choose to sleep in very little. If you prefer to wear something, choose a thin, loose fabric that moves moisture away and does not cling. Light lounge trousers and a thin top are a good compromise that can also be worn in the morning. Have a look at bamboo loungewear for women for ideas. Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat against the skin.
From winter duvet to light duvet
The first warm night is often a sign that it is time to change duvets. If you do not have a summer duvet, you can sleep under just the empty duvet cover or a thin sheet. Keep the winter duvet close by for the first few weeks, since May can still bring cold nights. Air the duvet thoroughly before you pack it away for the summer, so it is fresh when autumn comes.
Air and temperature in the bedroom
Open the windows in the evening when it gets cooler outside, and close them in the morning before the sun warms things up. Draw the curtains during the day, especially in south facing rooms. A fan can help move the air, but do not point it directly at your body all night. If you can create a through draught, do it for a couple of hours before bedtime.
A dress for the mild evening
The first warm night often follows the first truly warm day. Many people bring out their dresses and enjoy a mild evening outdoors. A light dress in a soft fabric is comfortable from afternoon into evening, and can be paired with a cardigan once the sun goes down. Have a look at bamboo dresses for examples. Light bamboo trousers for women are an alternative for those who would rather wear trousers.
When sleep still will not come
Many people sleep badly on the first warm nights, and that is normal. Avoid heavy food and alcohol late in the evening, and drink a glass of water before bed. Take a lukewarm shower rather than an ice cold one, as a very cold shower can make the body produce more heat afterwards. If you have longer lasting problems with sleep, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I sleep badly on the first warm night
Your body is still set for winter cold and needs one to two weeks to get used to the warmth.
What is best to sleep in on warm nights
Thin, loose fabrics that move moisture away and do not cling, or very little clothing.
Does a cold shower before bed help
A lukewarm shower is better. A very cold one can make the body produce more heat afterwards.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
