Too Hot to Sleep? Try These Apartment Cooling Tricks

There is something deeply unfair about being exhausted all day and then becoming inexplicably alert the second your bedroom feels warm.

You have flipped the pillow. You have kicked off the blanket. You have reconsidered every bedding purchase you have ever made.
Before you accept defeat, try a few apartment-friendly changes that can make summer nights feel much more comfortable.

Close the blinds before your apartment heats up
Waiting until bedtime to cool your bedroom is already too late.

Sunlight can warm your space throughout the afternoon, especially if your windows receive direct sunlight. Close your blinds or curtains before the strongest sunlight reaches the room.

If your bedroom tends to get especially warm, blackout or thermal curtains can help reduce the amount of heat entering through the windows.

Check your ceiling fan direction
If your apartment has a ceiling fan, make sure it is rotating counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes air downward and creates the cooling breeze you actually want.

Just remember that fans cool people – not empty rooms. Turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.

Stop trapping heat in your bedding
A giant comforter may look inviting, but it can become your greatest enemy in July.

Choose breathable sheets and lighter layers that can be adjusted throughout the night. Cotton and linen generally allow more airflow than dense synthetic materials.

You do not necessarily need entirely new bedding – simply removing extra layers can make a noticeable difference.

Position a portable fan strategically
Do not automatically place your fan in the closest available corner.

Angle it toward the bed or position it where it can move cooler air through the room. If temperatures outside are comfortable and your lease and community guidelines allow open windows, placing a fan near the window can also help circulate air.

The goal is airflow – not simply having a fan running somewhere in the general vicinity.

Move heat-producing activities earlier
Your oven, clothes dryer and dishwasher can add warmth to your apartment.

When possible, run these appliances earlier in the day or after temperatures begin to drop. Your midnight self will appreciate not trying to sleep beside the lingering spirit of a 425-degree dinner.

Create a cooling bedtime routine
A cool shower, lightweight pajamas and a glass of water can help you feel more comfortable before getting into bed.

You can also place skincare products, a sleep mask or a clean washcloth in the refrigerator for a few minutes. It is a small luxury, but at 10 p.m. in August, it can feel extremely sophisticated.

Know when to contact maintenance
If your apartment is significantly warmer than the thermostat setting, the airflow seems weak or your air conditioning is making unusual sounds, submit a maintenance request.

Avoid attempting to repair the system yourself – this is one summer problem you do not need to turn into a personal project.

A comfortable bedroom can make your entire apartment feel more enjoyable. And if features like ceiling fans, efficient cooling and inviting community spaces are part of your apartment wish list, it may be time to see what else is out there.

Your cooler, better-rested era could be one search away – browse RPM Living communities.