Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Antonio Guillem
Advice

Having a tough time sleeping in the heat? Here's how to stay cool as temperatures ramp up

A yellow temperature warning is in place nationwide.

IT CAN BE difficult to sleep when the temperatures are high and according to Met Eireann, it may stay up to 15 degrees during some nights in the week ahead.

With these high temperatures set to stick around, experts are warning that it’s important to try and keep your home cool and comfortable.

President of the National Association of GPs Maitiu O’Tuathail said keeping curtains closed during the day can be a big help. Speaking to RTÉ, Tuathail said:

Keep your curtains closed throughout the day with the windows open. That will keep the room cool throughout the day.

He also advised people to use a fan and cotton bed linen.

“We’d also say to use cotton bed linen as it allows ventilation and will keep the bed cool.”

Stay hydrated 

The entire country is experiencing unusually intense heat so people are also being warned to stay hydrated in order to keep comfortable.

It could get as high as 31 degrees in some areas over the week ahead.

O’Tuathail said, “Our bodies have to work a lot harder to cool us down which means we perspire more so there’s an increased risk of dehydration … it’s really important that people stay hydrated.”

While generally people should try to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, that should increase to 10 glasses – or 2.5 litres – in this type of heat.

People are also being encouraged to freeze fruits like berries and grapes and snack on them throughout the day as they contain a lot of water.

It’s also advised to avoid alcohol, caffeinated or carbonated drinks as they can further dehydrate.

Safety

Anybody out in the sun is also being warned to use sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, or 50 for children.

However, children and the elderly should remain out of the sun at its most intense time between 12 and 3pm.

Homeless services are also appealing for donations of water and sunscreen.

People with elderly and vulnerable neighbours are being asked to check in and make sure they have enough bottled water and that they can stay cool.

While a yellow temperature warning is in place nationwide, the Department of Agriculture has also issued a national forest fire warning due to the dry conditions and high temperatures.

As a result, people are also being asked not to light barbecues outside of designated areas and to take care when disposing of cigarettes as sparks may start a fire.

If the heat continues, water restrictions may have to be implemented.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
26
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds