AS the scorching weather continues across the UK, many people have been finding it difficult to sleep.
And as weather experts now say the heatwave is reaching its peak, a handy hack will help make your bedroom feel more comfortable tonight.
Avoid another night of tossing and turning in a sweltering room with this completely free step.
A sleep specialist has revealed that the position of your door can significantly affect your night’s sleep.
Choosing the perfect angle can help to reduce bedroom temperatures during heatwaves, helping you to sleep through the hot summer nights.
Dr. Jordan Burns from AmeriSleep explained that the way bedroom doors are positioned affects airflow patterns within sleeping spaces.
This creates a cooling cross-ventilation or can trap even heat, depending on the angle chosen.
“Most people focus solely on windows for cooling, but bedroom doors control how air circulates throughout your sleeping space,” Dr. Burns said.
“A properly positioned door can make the difference between restful sleep and hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning.”
The expert recommended keeping bedroom doors fully open during daytime hours if the rest of the home is cooler, allowing for maximum air exchange between spaces.
This approach works particularly well for rooms that receive direct sunlight.
“When outside temperatures climb higher than those inside your home, keeping your bedroom door wide open allows cooler air from north-facing rooms to circulate throughout,” he said.
“This creates a natural current that pushes hot air up and out while drawing cooler air in from below.”
For night-time cooling, however, he suggested a more precise approach to door positioning.
“The optimal angle for a bedroom door at night is approximately 45 degrees,” Dr. Burns explained.
“This specific position creates what fluid dynamics calls a ‘venturi effect’ that accelerates airflow through the narrower opening, pulling hot air out more efficiently than a fully open door would.”
The sleep specialist points out that most people make the common mistake of either leaving doors completely open or fully closed during hot weather.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
“A completely open door actually slows down airflow in many cases because the opening is too large to create the pressure differentials that drive air movement,” he said.
“Conversely, a fully closed door prevents any air exchange, trapping heat and moisture that build up while you sleep.”
According to Dr. Burns, door positioning must work together with window management for maximum cooling effect.
“If your windows and door create a straight-line path, you’ll generate the strongest possible airflow through your bedroom,” he said.
“The ideal setup in UK homes is having your bedroom door at 45 degrees with windows open on the opposite wall, creating a direct pathway for air movement.”
The expert also stressed the importance of furniture placement in relation to door positioning.
“Keep furniture at least 30 centimetres away from the door swing path,” Dr. Burns advised.
“Tall wardrobes or dressers near doors can block airflow and create stagnant air pockets where heat accumulates.”
For flats and apartments where cross-ventilation options are limited, Dr. Burns recommends changing door positions throughout the day based on sun exposure and temperature variations.
“In single-aspect flats, try keeping your bedroom door closed during the day if that room receives direct sunlight,” he said.
“Then open it to precisely 45 degrees at night when the rest of the flat has cooled down.”
He suggested a simple method to test if your door positioning is working effectively for bedroom cooling.
“Place a lightweight ribbon or tissue near the gap between the door and frame,” he advised.
“If it moves toward the door, you’re successfully drawing air through the room.
“If it remains still or moves away, adjust your window and door configuration until you achieve proper airflow.
“Good sleep remains possible during hot weather if you understand how to control airflow in your home.
“Door positioning is a cost-free intervention that can improve your sleeping environment while reducing both energy costs and environmental impact compared to mechanical cooling options.”
