Gaby
Summer and heat are nearly synonymous. When temperatures soar above 77°F and the air feels stifling, people get desperate to cool off. That leads to all kinds of theories and myths about the best ways to beat the heat.
Does a cup of tea really cool you down? Will sleeping without clothes help you sleep through a heatwave? Experts have debunked some of the most common cooling myths.
Myth 1: Sleeping without clothes helps cool you down during a heatwave
Sleeping naked seems like the quickest way to lower your body temperature when it’s hot. Pharmacist Abbas Kanani says that’s a myth — it doesn’t provide significant relief.
Kanani explains that when we’re undressed, sweat can sit on the skin instead of evaporating. While fewer layers can feel more comfortable, wearing lightweight pajamas made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric can actually keep you cooler and more comfortable while you sleep.
Kanani recommends natural fabrics like cotton or linen at night because they allow air to circulate and absorb sweat. That helps cool your body more effectively than sleeping completely naked.
Myth 2: Hot drinks help you cool down
Some people believe that drinking tea or coffee during a heatwave will cool them off. Dr. Adam Staten, head of the One Day Tests clinic, says that’s not true. Whether you drink hot or cold beverages during high temperatures matters less than staying properly hydrated.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani agrees: any form of hydration helps keep you cool.
Kanani advises drinking plenty of fluids, especially plain water, to avoid dehydration. Don’t drink too much water in a short period, though, because that can strain the kidneys. It’s best to spread out your intake throughout the day in small amounts (up to 17 ounces) whenever you feel thirsty.
The health expert also recommends avoiding excessive caffeinated or alcoholic drinks during the summer because they can speed up dehydration.
Physiologists add that chilled sugary or alcoholic drinks don’t actually cool you down. They can increase thirst and may slightly raise body temperature, since the body uses energy to process the calories.
Myth 3: Sunscreen should only be applied in the sun
Some people think you can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day. Kanani says that’s false: clouds don’t block all of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
The chance of sunburn is lower on a cloudy day than on a clear one, but the risk still exists, especially for people with very sensitive skin. Some people also assume they only need to apply sunscreen once in the morning or can skip it when it’s overcast.
Kanani adds that many people mistakenly believe water-resistant sunscreen doesn’t need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating. That’s incorrect. Reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming or heavy sweating, or whenever it may have worn off, he told the Daily Mail.
During a heatwave, protecting your skin from sunburn is crucial. Sunburns are common and can have serious short- and long-term consequences, including an increased risk of skin cancer.
Forewarned is forearmed. Now you know how to behave during the heat and can ignore cooling tips that simply don’t work.
