How extreme heat can affect sleep and what you can do about it

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - As temperatures continue to climb across the Coachella Valley, many residents are finding it harder to get a good night's sleep.

Health experts say hot weather can make it more difficult for the body to cool down, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Poor sleep over time can affect mood, concentration and overall health.

Dr. Monika Mathur, a pediatric neurologist and sleep physician, says our bodies naturally need to cool down to get quality rest. She says while many people adjust their thermostats to stay comfortable, the temperature of your room is only part of the equation.

Mathur says a common way people try to cool down before bed — taking an ice-cold shower — may actually work against them. She says the sudden drop in temperature can cause blood vessels to constrict, trapping heat instead of helping the body cool down.

Instead, she recommends a lukewarm shower before bed, along with simple changes like improving airflow, using fans, and choosing breathable bedding to help the body cool down naturally.

Doctors say if poor sleep becomes a pattern or starts affecting your daily life, it may be time to talk with your healthcare provider.