How to help your child sleep well during a heatwave
by Dr Seeta Shah, Sleep Expert for Panda London
As the UK bakes under a summer heatwave, parents everywhere are asking the same question: how can I help my child sleep comfortably when the nights feel more like the day? From my experience, combining clinical insight with a holistic mindset, the key is creating a cool, calming environment that supports natural sleep rhythms and fluid temperature regulation. At Panda London, we believe in the power of bamboo’s natural breathability and sustainability, and I’m delighted to share some grounded, practical tips for hot nights ahead.
1. Lower the Bedroom Temperature Naturally
Begin by shading windows during the day to block direct heat. As evening falls, use lightweight curtains or blinds, bamboo bedding, for example, encourages airflow while adding an elegant, breathable layer. You can also prop a fan or open a window slightly to encourage cross-ventilation, helping to bring the room to an ideal sleep temperature around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F).
2. Choose Breathable Bedding - Make Bamboo Your Friend
Here’s where Panda London’s ethos meets your child’s comfort. Bamboo bedding is inherently cooler than cotton thanks to its moisture-wicking and thermo-regulating properties, it absorbs sweat and releases trapped heat faster, keeping skin comfortably dry and cool throughout the night. Consider Panda’s Hybrid Bamboo Pillow or the Panda Cloud Bamboo Duvet, both ideal for warmer nights, delivering softness, airflow, and the gentle reassurance of a high-quality sleeping product.
3. Opt for Lightweight Sleepwear and Layer Smartly
Dress your child in breathable, lightweight cotton or bamboo-blend pyjamas that feel soft and light against the skin. Use a single, light sheet or bamboo duvet on extra-warm nights, and add layers only if the temperature drops. Layering allows you to quickly adapt their bedding throughout the night without waking them.
4. Breeze & Hydrate Before Bed
Just before bedtime, give your child a lukewarm (not cold) sponge or towel-down. This helps their body cool steadily. Encourage sipping water in the evening, but avoid heavy fluids right before sleep to reduce the chance of night wakings. A cool-room sip can help mimic their internal cooling mechanisms and gently signal the body that it's bedtime.
5. Bedtime Routines That Signal Calm
Warm bodies can struggle to wind down, so a soothing routine is essential. Think a story in soft lighting, a gentle lullaby, or a quiet cuddle. Keep pre-sleep activities calm and screen-free to encourage relaxation. A relaxed mind helps lower the core temperature, a vital part of initiating sleep, especially on hot nights.
6. Keep Hydration Handy (Safely)
Place a small, child-safe water bottle nearby. Sipping water if they wake up feeling thirsty will help them settle quickly without needing to get out of bed fully.
7. Monitor and Adjust
If your child seems restless, sweaty, or uncomfortable, adjust their bedding layers, remove extra blankets, or swap from a duvet to just a breathable bamboo sheet. Bamboo’s ease of layering means switching is quick and seamless.
8. Trust Comfort That Respects the Planet
At Panda London, our commitment is twofold: to nurture better sleep for little ones, and do it sustainably. Bamboo bedding offers a cooler, breathable sleep experience while being crafted from one of the most eco-friendly materials. Elegant, functional, and kind to the Earth, our products are designed to support families naturally, especially when temperatures rise.
The sizzling British summer doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights for children, or stressed parents. Small changes, shade, lightweight layers, mindful bedtime routines, and bamboo bedding, build real relief. With cooler, more breathable materials and thoughtful sleep habits, we can help our children rest soundly, even when the mercury climbs. Stay cool, sleep well, and embrace the calm of bamboo at bedtime.