Heat? Not a fan …

Ways to sleep more comfortably during hot summer nights

With North State temperatures consistently hitting triple digits by day and staying high at night, many of us flip on fans to cool ourselves down at bedtime. The spinning blades bring climatic comfort, but also can cause discomfort. According to Sleep Advisor Magazine, unwelcome side effects of electric fans may include allergy or asthma attacks; dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth and throat; sinus irritation; and muscle aches. Fans do have benefits: When clean, they circulate fresh air in the room, plus create a soothing background sound that can mask noises. Either way, here are some tips for keeping cool at night:

Sleep on cotton sheets.

Stay hydrated—drink water (versus caffeinated drinks).

Take a cold shower before bed.

Wear loose sleepwear.

Place frozen water bottles on a tray in front of the fan.