Sleep Experts Share Their Top 5 Thunderstorm Sleeping Tips
As thunderstorms come in after the UK heatwave, which saw temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius, Brits may believe they may finally enjoy a nice night's sleep as the temperatures decrease.
Sleeping during thunderstorms, on the other hand, isn't usually much easier than sleeping in the humid British heat.
Maintain an eye on the weather forecast.
Sleeping during a storm may be tough, with thunderclaps and occasional flashes of light making it difficult to fall asleep. We recommend keeping an eye on the weather prediction so you can arrange your bedtime around when the storm is expected to strike your region and attempt to sleep without being disturbed by the storm.
Aim to get to bed 2-3 hours before the storm to get a solid start on your sleep cycle, as this will make waking up as a result of the storm considerably less likely.
Low-level ambient noises can be used to drown out thunder.
Drowning out the thunder is an excellent strategy, and low-level ambient noises, such as white noise, are ideal for this.
A constant sound, such as white noise, lets our brains focus on just one sound, shutting out unexpected disturbances like thunder, which are likely to startle light sleepers.
White noise is not your only choice. Other noises, such as the sound of the sea or the jungle, can be used. Any low-level, steady noises should suffice. While the weather is still pleasant, why not kill two birds with one stone by using the humming of your fan as white noise?
Light flashes should be avoided.
The dazzling bursts of lightning, rather than the sound of thunder, might sometimes keep us from getting enough sleep. These light bursts can be so brilliant and blinding in a dark space that it nearly feels like daylight.
If you don't have blackout blinds, sleeping with a nightlight on may assist, since the light should reduce the contrast between utter blackness and bursts of light, making the illumination significantly less bothersome.
Changing Your Sleeping Location
Despite the fact that you sleep in your bedroom most nights, it may not be the greatest location to sleep during a thunderstorm. If you're terrified, your bedroom window may provide you with a direct view of the thunderstorm. To prevent hearing the noises via your window, consider shifting to a room in the center of your house rather than one on the outskirts. The more away you are from the windows, the less likely it is that you will hear the storm. You might also consider relocating downstairs in the house, such as to a basement if it's not too chilly. Basements are usually more soundproof than the rest of the house, so you shouldn't be able to hear anything.
Relaxing activities might help you reduce your stress levels.
Stressing over-sleeping through a storm will just make matters worse. Stress causes the hormone cortisol to be released, which boosts your heart rate and makes falling asleep harder.
Try anything to reduce your stress levels before going to bed. This may be something as simple as yoga or reading your favorite book. This type of activity will not only lessen your cortisol levels.
Still, they should cause the production of those joyful chemicals, oxytocin, and serotonin, which will help you go sleep peacefully.