Hey everyone!
I’ll cut straight to the chase: I’ve been living in the Netherlands these last couple years, and due to it being close to the sea and other factors it is usually quite windy and comfortably cool.
Cue one of the hottest summers we’ve had in a while and now my cold-seasoned self cannot get used to it being 27°C at night, and as such I find myself writing this at 3AM on a Sunday night.
I live in a shitty small apartment with no AC and my window barely opens, so I’m wondering if anyone has some tips for dealing with this (or if you don’t then you’re welcome to join me in complaining about the weather (I am very bored)).
Thanks and have a nice day !
On the hot hot hot days in summer I wet a cloth and lay it on me usually on my chest. It does dry out your skin a little over time/days but it’s worth being able to fall asleep imo.
Sorry for your situation. Trying to sleep when it’s too hot is no fun. I recommend getting as much air circulation as possible. It makes a big difference. Fans will be your best friend. And switching to lightweight sheets, blankets, and sleeping nude might help. Good luck!
I sleep with a fan right to my face. I also have no AC, and 27°C summer nights are normal where I am. It’s so uncomfortable!
I grew up in a part of the USA with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers in a house with no AC. The following are your new best friends in summertime:
- Put your fan in the window blowing out. This will pull cooler inside air through your room and out.
- Ice packs, the reusable kind. Always have one with you and one in the freezer. Apply to your ribs, armpits, inner thighs, and neck, wherever blood flows. Don’t overdo it, though, it can damage your skin in extended contact.
- If you can’t get ice packs, a wet towel on your head and neck helps a lot.
- Wearing light, breathable clothing is better for thermal regulation than being naked. Cotton shirts and certain polyester/spandex moisture-wicking shirts like sports jerseys and exercise clothes are great for staying cool.
- Ice water. I know it’s not too common over there, but trust me on this. Your goals are to continually lower your core body temperature and keep your hydration up, so get your water as cold as possible and drink 4L a day.
Get a portable AC unit. They’re noisy but well worth it. Not evaporative cooler, portable AC. And take their suggested square meter cooling coverage and halve it when shopping.
Portable AC’s are super energy inefficient because the heat exchanging parts are inside of the house. This is why built in AC’s are usually hanging half out of the window/built in to the wall.
