When it comes to surviving a heatwave, for most of us, there’s one thing on our minds – how the hell am I going to get to sleep? Sweaty tossing and turning all night long is enough to make anyone pull their hair out, so finding heatwave-proof sleep hacks has been a huge priority for us here at Good Housekeeping all summer long.
As the heatwaves continue to be our new norm, I’ve been myth-busting my way through some of the internet’s favourite so-called ‘heatwave hacks’, sifting the effective from the defective to see what actually works. Which is when I came across the damp sock hack.
If it sounds weird to you, that’s because it is. But, I was shocked to discover, there truly is some method to the madness. Here’s how to do the damp sock trick, and if it will actually help you sleep through the next heatwave.
What is the damp sock hack?
Well, it’s pretty much what it says on the tin. To achieve the hack, simply rinse some cotton socks under a cold tap, wring them out so they’re not sopping wet, and put them on before heading to bed. And you’re done.
Yes, it is that straightforward. But as I said, there is some pretty bankable logic behind this simple trick. The damp sock hack works because it helps your body cool itself down more efficiently through evaporative cooling, rather than because the socks stay cold all night. The water helps to absorb the heat from your skin, creating a cooling effect similar to how sweat works. And because your feet contain lots of blood vessels close to the surface, cooling them can help cool the blood circulating around your whole body, which may make it easier to fall asleep.
Before sleep, your core temperature naturally drops by around 1°C. If your bedroom is too hot, this process becomes harder. Cooling your extremities can help your body reach that sleep-friendly temperature more easily. And, I have to say, when I tried it – it did work.
I found the cold effect super comforting and cooling, especially combined with my fan blowing towards my feet – I found myself almost reaching for my sheets for feeling too chilly. A sensation I had not felt for some time. However, there were a few drawbacks – namely, soggy bedsheets and waking up later on in the night due to an inescapable clammy foot feeling – so it isn’t a foolproof trick.
Pros
- May help you fall asleep more quickly by encouraging your body to cool down naturally.
- Simple, cheap and accessible, requiring nothing more than a pair of cotton socks and cool water.
- No electricity or expensive gadgets needed, making it a budget-friendly heatwave hack.
- Targets your feet, where blood vessels close to the skin can help transfer heat away from the body.
Cons
- The cooling effect is temporary, lasting only until the water evaporates or the socks warm up.
- Can feel uncomfortable or clammy, particularly if the socks are too wet.
- Works less well in humid conditions, where evaporation happens more slowly.
- Won’t solve a very hot bedroom, so it’s best paired with other cooling strategies, such as using a fan or keeping curtains closed during the day.
More ways to keep your home cool
- Block the sun before it gets in: Keep curtains, blinds and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, then open windows in the evening or overnight when the air outside is cooler.
- Create your own DIY air conditioning: Position a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to help circulate cooler air around the room.
- Skip the oven: Avoid cooking with the oven or hob during peak heat, as they quickly raise the temperature indoors. Opt for cold meals, an air fryer or barbecue instead.
- Sleep with breathable bedding: Choose lightweight cotton or linen sheets and avoid heavy synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
- Take a cool shower before bed: Avoiding too cold or too hot showers and instead opting for cool or lukewarm showers can help lower your body temperature and make it easier to fall asleep on hot, sticky nights.
