As temperatures climb and heat waves make daily life and sleep harder, the article lays out practical steps for coping with severe heat. Beyond the usual advice to drink water, experts say a mix of hydration, cooling techniques, and small habit changes can help lower body temperature and make hot nights more bearable.
The most important baseline is fluids. Experts speaking to Sky News said adults should drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, and avoid drinks that can speed dehydration, including tea, coffee, and alcohol, which act as diuretics. They also recommend targeted cooling methods, such as soaking both hands in cold water, a technique reportedly used by U.S. Navy officers since the 1990s. Research cited in the article says keeping the hands in water at 15 degrees Celsius for about 10 minutes can reduce core body temperature by roughly one degree. Ice applied to pulse points such as the wrists or sides of the neck can also help cool the blood as it circulates.
At home, the article suggests preventing heat from building up. For better sleep, putting a pillowcase or sleep clothes in the freezer during the day can create a cooling effect at bedtime. If using a fan, placing a bowl of ice in front of the airflow can make the air feel colder and fresher. The article also warns against using a phone in bed when heat makes sleep difficult, because blue light and digital activity increase brain arousal; reading a book or doing another calming activity is preferred.
The article stresses that heat is a quiet risk. It advises wearing light-colored, loose clothing, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, and sleeping on the lower floor in multi-story homes because heat rises. It also warns never to leave people or animals in a parked car, even briefly, since cabin temperatures can become life-threatening quickly. Finally, readers are urged to check on neighbors, especially vulnerable people and the elderly, to make sure they have a cool, ventilated space.
