While we all enjoy basking in the sunshine during the day, we can't say we're fond of the sweaty sleepless nights that follow them after hours.

Gone are the tucked under the duvet days, warming hands around a cup of cocoa while the fire crackles and cue the tossing and turning of summer nights, gasping for air.

But just because the sun has got his hat on (hip hip hip hurray!) does not lessen our need for a good night's rest, so here are our top tips (with the help of National Sleep Foundation) to beat the heat and get your snooze on.

• Prevent excessive heat build-up in your house during the day, by pulling down blinds and keeping windows closed
• Try taking a shower before bed, as water is a great cooling agent
• Wear light cotton PJs (or maybe none at all) to keep from getting overheated
• Have a fan in your bedroom to help keep you cool
• Remove your duvet from its cover, and sleep under just the sheet
• Drink lots of cool fluids and eat smaller, more frequent meals

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• Breathe

  "Shut your eyes and focus on your breathing as it becomes slower and deeper. This makes your body more relaxed."

• Switch Off

  "Finish everything you have to do on your computer by 10pm. Switch off mobiles and PCs and leave them outside of the bedroom so you're not tempted to answer texts or emails."

• Have A Bath (Not Shower)

  "Take a long, hot bath before going to bed. This helps relax and soothe your muscles. Showers, on the other hand, tend to wake you up. Insomniacs should avoid showers in the evening."

• Never Oversleep

  "Never oversleep because of a poor night's sleep. Get up at about the same time every day, especially on the morning after you've lost sleep. Sleeping late for just a couple of days can reset your body clock to a different cycle and you'll get sleepy later and wake up later.

• Eat Early

  "Don't go to bed on a full stomach - make your final meal before 9pm."

• Create A Story

  "Create a story in your head and allow your imagination to experience that story."

• Don't Worry

  "Don't go to bed worrying about anxieties or concerns. They can wait until tomorrow."

• Avoid Caffeine And Tyrosine

  "Caffeine, a chemical in coffee, tea and chocolate causes hyperactivity and wakefulness. Some sleep laboratories encourage people to avoid such tyrosine-laden foods as fermented cheeses such as cheddar cheese, ripe avocados, some imported beers and fermented meats (bologna, pepperoni, salami). Also avoid red wines, especially chianti."

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