The UK is in the middle of a heatwave that is sending temperatures soaring. On Tuesday, July 19, Britain is forecast to be potentially hotter than Jamaica, the Maldives and Barbados as the country bakes under clear blue skies, the Mirror reports.
Overnight temperatures last night (July 18) hit record-breaking figures, with the Met Office confirming it was the hottest night on record in the UK as temperatures stayed above 25C - exceeding the previous highest daily minimum record of 23.9C, in Brighton on August 3, 1990.
Undoubtedly Brits up and down the country will be seeking out ways to stay cool and refreshed in the extreme heat, most likely including switching on an electric fan, especially to help tackle the humid air at night. But how much does it cost to keep a fan on all night if you're struggling to keep cool?
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According to auto energy switching service, Migrate, almost half the population is estimated to use electric fans to help them sleep during the hot summer nights. But keeping an electric fan on for hours and hours can seriously rack up people's energy bills - something many would like to avoid in the current cost of living crisis.
Numbers crunched by price comparison website, Uswitch, reveal it costs 1p to run a standard desktop fan for an hour. While the typical 120w pedestal fan using costs around 3.4p an hour to run on average.
Although this may not sound like it'll break the bank, it soon adds up. Leaving the fan on between 10pm and 8am would cost you around 33p in energy. Doing that for a whole week would cost £2.35 - 75p more than last summer, thanks to rising energy costs.
However, even the cost of running a fan is tiny compared to air conditioning units. A portable air con unit costs around 28p an hour in energy costs - that's £19.60 if you use it every night for a week.
For those uninterested in using a fan, or splurging out on costs, there are other ways to stay cool - including opening a bedroom window, sleeping without bedcovers, sleeping in separate beds, freezing or filling a hot water bottle with ice water, and switching to a lower tog rated duvet.
Below are some extra methods to consider if you're struggling to get some kip in the heat.
How to keep cool at night:
1. Keep a cool head
Getting frustrated and restless because you're hot only generates more heat and keeps you up longer. Keep a cool head by lying still - only by accepting the heat can you move your mind and body closer to sleep.
2. Frozen bedding
When bedroom temperatures soar drastically, action is often needed. Pop your sheets and pillows into bags and put them in a freezer ready for bedtime.
3. Choose cotton - and pyjamas!
Save satin, silk or polyester sheets for a cooler day. Cotton bed linens are lightweight and breathable, promoting airflow in your bedroom.
4. Make your own breeze
Humans sleep best in a cool bedroom, with the ideal temperature being 17C. Open a window or invest in an electric fan - but remember the cost.
5. Late night entertaining
Warmer nights lead to delayed bed times, which can lead to later eating and drinking close to bedtime.
This is all good summer fun, but the downside is trouble sleeping.
For best quality sleep aim to leave at least two hours between eating and sleeping, while limiting alcohol close to bedtime.
6. Lose a layer
Use sheets and blankets, rather than duvets; these can help to regulate the body temperature quickly and easily.
7. Reach for the H2O
Have a glass of water by the bed to drink if and when needed. Drinking a full glass of water before bed can lead to multiple toilet visits throughout the night.
8. Cool shower
Take a cool shower before bed for a quick and easy way to cool down. Avoid freezing showers as these can be over stimulating and wake you up.
Some other things you could try:
- Sleep in the spare room rather than with your partner to avoid sharing body heat
- Wrap picnic ice packs in tea towels and use them as reverse hot water bottles
- Find the coolest room in the house and set up camp there, rather than in your normal bedroom
- Keep the curtains and blinds shut at home during the day to keep the temperature in your house down. Beware metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat
- Freeze a bottle of water, then place the ice bottle in front of a fan for an added cooling effect on the air - it should last all night
- Avoid getting sunburnt - that will only make everything worse
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