Published: Jul 02, 2015 7:57 AM EDT quality sleep and athletic performance is well established. We know that if we sleep better, our training (and eventually race times) can improve, and we can recover faster. High quality sleep is essential, though not always achievable—especially during the warmer summertime months.
One of the main impediments to a good night’s rest is overheating. It’s not unusual for a runner to wake up in a pool of sweat in the middle of the night, stirring restlessly, and uncomfortable. This could be because training elevates your metabolism, and when your metabolism is revved up you generate more body heat.
But there are ways to combat this phenomenon. After trying out many ways to stay cool and comfortable at night over the years, here are my five favorite products for contending with nocturnal sweating:
Isotonic Iso-Cool Pillow: Keeping your head cool at night can help keep your entire body cool. Pillows matter, and the Isotonic Iso-Cool pillow is one of the best I've tested.
DermaTherapy Sport: Sheets and pillowcases are perhaps the single most important component for a cool night’s sleep. I’ve experimented with just about every imaginable weave and fabric type in pursuit of the perfect rest, and DermaTherapy Sport is the clear winner.
The Best Headbands for Runners: While not traditionally thought of as a sleep product, during periods of intense training in hot conditions, sleeping with an arm cooler or calf sleeve can help with nighttime thermoregulation. I use them when training for the Badwater Ultramarathon across Death Valley and for other hot-weather races.
Sheex Sleepwear: Otherwise known as pajamas, Sheex sleepwear can help prevent nighttime overheating. Plus, they’re comfortable to wear around before bed and in the morning.
Published: Jul 02, 2015 7:57 AM EDT: Quiet and energy efficient, the Dyson range of portable fans is the perfect sleeping companion. They have both a stationary setting—to direct airflow in a fixed position—or an oscillation setting that can cool an entire room. As you can tell, I’m a fan.
The Best Summer Running Gear.
