Yellow heat health alerts were issued on Wednesday

Today could be the UK’s hottest day of the year so far. Yellow heat health alerts were issued on Wednesday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering various parts of the country from Thursday to Saturday.

It warned that expected hot weather may have minor impacts on the health and social care sector. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “I think it’s quite likely we will see the hottest day of the year across the UK as a whole.”

The highest temperature so far in 2024 across the UK was recorded at Wisley in Surrey on June 26 (30.5C). With the extreme heat, people across the nation will undoubtedly be looking for ways to stay cool and refreshed, likely including turning on an electric fan, particularly to combat the humid air at night. But what is the cost of running a fan all night if you’re struggling to keep cool?

Migrate, an auto energy switching service estimates that nearly half of the population uses electric fans to aid sleep during hot summer nights. However, keeping an electric fan on for extended periods can significantly increase energy bills – something many would prefer to avoid amidst the current cost of living crisis.

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Data analysed by price comparison website, Uswitch, reveals that it costs 1p to run a standard desktop fan for an hour. Meanwhile, a typical 120w pedestal fan costs around 3.4p an hour to run on average, reports Chronicle Live.

While it may not seem like a significant expense, the costs can quickly accumulate. Leaving your fan on from 10pm to 8am could set you back around 33p in energy costs. Over a week, this would amount to £2.35.

However, the cost of running a fan pales in comparison to air conditioning units. A portable air con unit can cost approximately 28p per hour in energy costs, equating to £19.60 if used every night for a week.

For those who are not keen on using a fan or splashing out on costs, there are alternative methods to stay cool. These include opening a bedroom window, sleeping without bedcovers, sleeping in separate beds, freezing a hot water bottle or filling it with ice water, and switching to a lower-top duvet.

If you’re struggling to sleep in the heat, consider the following additional methods:

How to keep cool at night:

1. Keep a cool head

Becoming frustrated and restless because you’re hot only generates more heat and keeps you awake longer. Maintain a cool head by lying still – accepting the heat is the first step towards helping your mind and body drift off to sleep.

2. Frozen bedding

When bedroom temperatures rise significantly, action is often required. Place your sheets and pillows into bags and put them in the freezer ready for bedtime.

3. Choose cotton – and pyjamas

Reserve satin, silk or polyester sheets for cooler days. Cotton bed linens are lightweight and breathable, promoting airflow in your bedroom.

4. Create your own breeze

The ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep is 17C. To achieve this, you might want to consider opening a window or investing in an electric fan – but don’t forget to factor in the cost. Late-night socialising can lead to delayed bedtimes, which often results in eating and drinking close to bedtime. While it’s all part of the summer fun, it can disrupt your sleep.

For optimal sleep quality, try to leave at least two hours between eating and going to bed, and limit alcohol consumption before bedtime. Instead of duvets, use sheets and blankets as they can help regulate body temperature more effectively.

Keep a glass of water by your bed to drink if needed. However, avoid drinking a full glass of water before bed as it can lead to multiple toilet trips throughout the night. Finally, taking a cool shower before bed can be a quick and easy way to cool down. But steer clear of freezing showers as they can overstimulate you and keep you awake.