How I stay cool in bed at night without a fan – no air con needed

I love summer as much as any other sun-starved Brit, but as a redhead whose skin burns at the slightest exposure and erupts in an agonising heat rash at its worst — even with factor 50 applied — my ability to cope with warm weather is practically non-existent.

I’ve spent countless years peeling my fringe from my face while diligently reapplying sun cream, desperately seeking any patch of shade for momentary relief. So, as you might expect, record-breaking temperatures and red weather warnings are hardly my idea of a good time. Factor in living in a Victorian terraced house that appears only capable of being bitterly cold or unbearably stuffy, and it’s a recipe for absolute misery.

Fortunately, at the height of last summer, I stumbled upon the solution to all my woes — and I haven’t suffered from overheating at home or in bed since.

When the heat becomes overwhelming, the instinct is to leap straight into a cold shower or bath. However, cooling solely your feet is actually a remarkably effective method of reducing your core body temperature

A post by the University of Reading explained: “Research shows that putting your feet in cold water is a good way to reduce core body temperature and keep your organs working. It will also help reduce swelling in your ankles and feet.”

Another tried-and-tested technique for cooling your feet involves placing a pair of socks in the fridge or freezer during the day and slipping them on just before bedtime. However, I personally swear by a somewhat more drastic solution: freezable slippers.

Designed for those suffering from foot injuries, pain and swelling, they also prove equally effective for people like me who simply need some respite from the day’s heat.

I own the Newgo Foot Ice Pack Slippers (£17.99), but there are loads of similar ones available, including Bodyprox’s Cold & Hot Therapy Wrap (£13.99). The Neo G Universal 3D Hot & Cold Therapy Pack (£10), while not in slipper form, would also do the trick.

As I work from home, I slip them on throughout the day while at my desk, then return them to the fridge so they have sufficient time to firm up again before bedtime. The relief is immediate, and I can feel my body temperature dropping in real time.

The retailer suggests wearing them for no longer than 20 minutes at a time, which I’ve found to be more than adequate. Once in bed, should I reach the 20-minute mark, or if the cold becomes too intense, I can simply slide them off and use them to cool down the bed itself.

It’s a remarkably quick and straightforward method of cooling down, and as they’re filled with gel and encased in a soft knitted fabric, they remain cold for extended periods, meaning a single pair is all you’ll need.

While I personally prefer to freeze mine before bed to maximise their longevity, popping them in the fridge for a couple of hours works just as well.

Come winter, they can be warmed in the microwave for 60 seconds, making them genuinely worthwhile throughout the entire year.