11 low-cost ways to stay cool in bed without running an electric fan all night

With this stifling heat making it difficult to sleep, many households are turning to electric fans for relief. While fans are far cheaper to run than air conditioning, they still add to household energy bills at a time when costs remain a concern.

A typical freestanding pedestal fan uses between 60 and 100 watts of electricity, costing around 1.7p to 3p per hour to run. Left on overnight, that works out at roughly 14p to 24p per night. For a family of four each running a fan in their bedroom, those costs can quickly mount up over the course of a hot summer.

Fortunately, there are plenty of simple, low-cost alternatives that can help keep your home and bedroom cooler without relying solely on plug-in devices.

Here are 11 effective ways to beat the heat at night.

1. Create a DIY window ‘ice’ breeze

Place a shallow bowl, tray of ice cubes, or a large frozen water bottle in front of an open, shaded window. As air passes over the ice, it cools slightly before circulating around the room, creating a refreshing breeze without using electricity.

2. Keep sunlight out during the day

One of the simplest ways to prevent your home from overheating is to keep curtains, blinds and shutters closed during the hottest part of the day. This is especially important for south and west-facing windows, which receive the strongest sunlight.

Blocking the sun before it enters the room can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures later in the evening.

3. Ventilate at the right time

Many people make the mistake of opening windows throughout the day when the outside air is actually hotter than the air indoors.

Instead, keep windows closed during peak temperatures and wait until late evening, overnight or early morning when outdoor temperatures fall. Opening windows on opposite sides of the house creates a cross-breeze that helps flush out trapped heat.

4. Try the Victorian window trick

If you have traditional sash windows, take advantage of basic heat physics.

Open the top section slightly to allow warm air to escape while opening the bottom section slightly to draw cooler air inside. This creates a natural circulation effect that can make rooms feel noticeably fresher.

5. Switch to breathable bedding

Your bedding can make a huge difference to how hot you feel at night.

Swap synthetic materials, memory foam and polyester fabrics for natural fibres such as 100% cotton or linen. These materials are more breathable and wick moisture away from the body, helping you stay cooler while you sleep.

6. Use the ‘Egyptian method’

A surprisingly effective trick for hot nights is to lightly dampen a bedsheet with cold water, then wring it out thoroughly so it isn't dripping wet.

Used as a lightweight blanket, the sheet cools you as the moisture slowly evaporates. This technique has been used for generations in hot climates and can provide welcome relief during heatwaves.

7. Freeze your pillowcase

Few things feel better on a hot night than a cool pillow.

Place your pillowcase inside a sealed plastic bag and leave it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before bed. The cooling effect won't last all night, but it can help you fall asleep more comfortably.

8. Make a cold-water bottle

A hot-water bottle isn't just for winter.

Fill one with cold water and ice, then place it in the freezer for around an hour. Position it near your feet or against pulse points such as your wrists, ankles or behind your knees to help lower your body temperature.

9. Declutter your bedroom

A cluttered room can feel warmer and stuffier than it actually is.

Removing excess furniture, clothing piles and unnecessary items improves airflow and can make the room feel lighter and cooler. It's a simple change that costs nothing and can make a surprising difference during the summer months.

10. Eliminate hidden heat sources

Many household electronics continue to generate heat even when they're not actively being used.

Before going to bed, switch off and unplug devices such as televisions, laptops, games consoles and chargers. Reducing these hidden heat sources can help keep bedrooms cooler overnight while also trimming electricity use.

11. Choose light colours

Dark colours absorb and retain heat, while lighter shades reflect it.

If you're redecorating or updating your bedroom, consider lighter-coloured bedding, curtains and furnishings during the summer months. The room will not only look brighter but may also feel cooler.

By making some small changes around the home, you may be able to sleep more comfortably, reduce your reliance on electrical appliances and keep energy costs under control throughout the summer.