Heatwaves may come with the package when it comes to living in Australia – but that doesn’t mean they get any easier to handle.
With temperatures set to soar well into the 40s across the country this week, many are bracing themselves for sweltering days, and restless nights.
But a group of experts spoke to FEMAIL on Wednesday, sharing their tips on how you – and your pets – can comfortably survive.
A group of experts spoke to FEMAIL on Wednesday, sharing their tips on how you – and your pets – can comfortably survive the heatwave which is set to grip Australia this week
DIET
Eating foods which produce large amounts of the amino acid tryptophan are key to helping us fall asleep easier on hot nights, Sydney-based dietitian Lyndi Cohen said.
Tryptophan helps produce the hormone melatonin, which is key to falling asleep and regulating our sleep-cycles.
‘Try things like walnuts, almonds and cherries – chop them up and have them before you go to bed,’ Ms Cohen said.
‘Even try freezing your cherries and having them as an ice block to help fall asleep.’
As always, people should stay hydrated during heatwaves by continuing to sip water throughout the day, Ms Cohen said.
Eating foods which produce large amounts of the amino acid tryptophan are key to helping us fall asleep easier on hot nights, Sydney-based dietitian Lyndi Cohen (pictured) said
‘Try things like walnuts, almonds and cherries – chop them up and have them before you go to bed,’ Ms Cohen said
She suggested adding natural flavours to your water to make sure it doesn’t get boring to drink.
‘I recommend adding some spice to your water. So get some fresh herbs and place them in an ice-cube tray before filling it, or use some frozen berries,’ she said.
‘Fruit is the go-to, particularly watermelon, passionfruit and peaches, which are all in season at the moment.’
Ms Cohen also advised people to stay away from sports drinks when it comes to replenishing electrolytes, suggesting coconut water instead.
Spicy foods and energy drinks should also be taken off the table, she said.
Ms Cohen (pictured) suggested adding natural flavours to your water to make sure it doesn’t get boring to drink
‘Fruit is the go-to, particularly watermelon, passionfruit and peaches, which are all in season at the moment,’ she said (stock image)
BED LINEN
Linen expert from Private Collection Bed Linen, Penny Tsiklas, said sleeping in fine yarns, such as bamboo or cotton sheets, will also help you have a comfortable night’s sleep.
She added: ‘The bamboo and cotton sheeting is light and slinks beautifully against the skin.’
‘Further to this, rather than using a traditional quilt cover with a dooner, we recommend simply using cotton waffle blankets as a throw-over for these very warm nights.’
An additional measure you can take to sleep comfortably is to create your own air conditioner by freezing your pillow before bedtime.
A cool pillow-case helps create a better temperature balance between your head and body so you’re more comfortable at night, sleep therapist Dr Nerina Ramlakhan previously told MailOnline.
She added: ‘Ideally, in order for us to sleep well, there needs to be a fractional temperature difference between our body and our brain – a warm body and a cool head.’
Linen expert from Private Collection Bed Linen, Penny Tsiklas, said sleeping in fine yarns, such as bamboo or cotton sheets (pictured), will further help you have a comfortable night’s sleep
An additional measure you can take to sleep comfortably is to create your own air conditioner by freezing your pillow before bedtime (stock image)
SKINCARE
There is more we can do to take care of our skin than just slapping on some sunscreen and wearing a hat during extremely hot conditions.
Dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook suggested applying moisturiser to combat dry heat, and to supplement with vitamins to prevent pigment.
‘Heat dries out the skin, especially if it is dry heat. Take extra time to use moisturiser,’ Dr Cook told FEMAIL.
‘Use products with anti-inflammatories in them if you can, and good moisture-binding ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid.’
Dr Cook added that people should use vitamin B3 to minimise pigment production in the skin.
Dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook (pictured) suggested applying moisturiser to combat dry heat, and to supplement with vitamins to prevent pigment
Meanwhile, our furry companions can be taken care of in hot conditions by having their pet treats frozen (stock image)
PETS
‘Veterinarians receive numerous calls from concerned pet owners during summer heatwaves, seeing worrying signs like lethargy, excessive panting or breathing problems,’ Australian Veterinary Association president Dr Paula Parker told FEMAIL.
‘But there are simple tips that can help prevent or minimise problems.’
Dr Parker suggested putting out multiple water bowls in shady areas, filling up a kids paddling pool and freezing pet treats.
She added: ‘Consider putting some treats in the freezer. These can be given to your pet as a pet-popsicle on really hot days. They’ll help cool your pet down and give them something to do when you’re out.’
Older pets and breeds of heavy-coated cats and dogs are at a higher-risk of developing heatstroke during extreme hot weather.
Dr Parker suggested giving long-haired pets a trim, only going for walks in the early morning and late afternoon, and to allow pets inside.
Australian Veterinary Association president Dr Paula Parker suggested putting out multiple water bowls in shady areas, filling up a kids paddling pool (stock image) and freezing pet treats
Older pets and breeds of heavy-coated cats and dogs (stock image) are at a higher-risk of developing heatstroke during extreme hot weather