Summer nights can be very hot. You turn on the fan. You open the window. Still, you pull a thin blanket over your body. Why?
It feels strange. The room is warm. Your skin is sweaty. But without the blanket, something feels wrong. You cannot sleep well.
There are two main reasons for this.
First, our bodies change when we sleep. When we fall asleep, our body temperature drops a little bit. We move less. Our muscles relax. Without a cover, the cool air from the fan or air conditioner can make us too cold. A light blanket keeps our body temperature stable.
Second, the blanket gives us a feeling of safety. Since we are babies, we associate blankets with comfort and security. A gentle weight on our skin sends a signal to the brain. It tells us we are safe. This helps us relax and fall into a deep sleep faster.
Even in hot weather, a simple cotton sheet or a very thin blanket is a good idea. It protects us from sudden temperature drops and helps our mind relax.
Do you use a blanket when it is hot?