How I Sleep Through Hot Summer Nights in Spain (Without Air Conditioning All Night)
Sleeping well during a Spanish heatwave isn't always easy.
Even after sunset, temperatures can stay above 28–30°C, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
After several summers living in Spain, I've discovered that a few simple habits make a much bigger difference than leaving the air conditioning running all night. This is what works for me.
1. Keep the heat outside during the day
If your home has Spanish roller shutters ("persianas"), keep them almost completely closed during the hottest hours of the day.
They block much more heat than curtains or indoor blinds.
If you don't have roller shutters, close blackout curtains or blinds before direct sunlight reaches the room.
The goal is simple: don't let the bedroom heat up in the first place.
2. Ventilate when the outside air is cooler
Many people who are new to Spain leave the windows open all day, thinking fresh air will cool the room.
In reality, during a heatwave it usually lets even more hot air inside.
I keep the windows closed during the hottest hours and only open them early in the morning or late in the evening, when the outside temperature starts to drop.
3. Use a ceiling fan
For me, a ceiling fan makes a huge difference.
It doesn't lower the room temperature, but the moving air helps your body cool itself naturally and makes sleeping much more comfortable.
I leave mine running at a low speed throughout the night.
4. Keep bedding light
In summer I use lightweight cotton sheets and avoid heavy blankets or thick duvets.
Natural fabrics breathe better and help prevent overheating during the night.
5. Avoid heating the room before bedtime
A hot shower, exercise or cooking just before going to bed can leave both your body and your bedroom warmer than necessary.
I prefer a lukewarm shower and try to keep the room as cool as possible before going to sleep.
6. Don't overdo the air conditioning
If I use air conditioning, I cool the room before bedtime and then switch it off or set it to a moderate temperature.
Sleeping all night with very cold air isn't something I personally find comfortable, and it also increases electricity use.
Final thoughts
None of these tips is complicated, but together they make a noticeable difference.
Every home is different, but keeping the heat outside during the day, ventilating at the right time and using a ceiling fan have helped me sleep much better during Spanish summers.
Sometimes it's not about making the room colder it's about preventing it from getting too hot in the first place.
If you think this might help someone, feel free to share it.
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