The wet, warm weather hitting New Zealand is expected to continue, bringing nights of uncomfortable humidity and messing with many people's sleep schedules.
According to MetService, Aotearoa's weather continues to be driven by a stream of humid air from the tropics, bringing warm and wet conditions to much of the country.
But what comes with humid weather is a particularly difficult night's sleep.
"There's actually a scientific basis as to why you can't sleep when it's hot," Sleep Well Clinic clinical director Dr Alex Bartle told Newshub back in 2018.
"Sleep is dependent on a fall in your core body temperature, internal temperature, so to do that we need to get rid of heat."
Newshub has compiled some tips for beating the humidity so you can get some shut-eye.
Getting to sleep:
- To get to sleep, your body needs a drop in temperature. One way to achieve this is by filling a hot water bottle with icy water
- You can also try placing a bag of ice in front of your fan to keep the air cool, or using air conditioning if possible.
- Popping your sheets in the freezer before making your bed is another option
- Always stay hydrated and drink cold water before bed
- Close the curtains during the day to keep the sun out.
Getting children and babies to sleep:
- Children and babies are not as good at thermoregulation as adults are, therefore parents have to be extra vigilant when it comes to room temperature
- Alongside keeping the room cool, ways to help babies and children sleep during hot nights include using light, cotton clothing
- Covering them with only a sheet when asleep during the day and one more layer at night
- Establishing a regular bedtime routine
- Keeping lighting in the house gentle and low in the evenings
- Keep breastfeeding during the day short and do big feeds later at night or early morning.
