As New York City experiences a heatwave, an estimated 850,000 residents are facing high temperatures without air conditioning. This situation is particularly challenging for those who experience discomfort and sleep disturbances during hot weather. According to a 2023 survey, about 14% of American adults consistently feel too hot while sleeping, which can lead to longer sleep onset, poorer rest quality, increased likelihood of anxiety or depression diagnoses, and reduced daily energy and productivity.
Approximately 11% of New York City residents live without air conditioning due to factors such as environmental concerns, the age of buildings, or escalating cooling costs. Cooling bills have reportedly risen more than 50% over the past decade. Projections suggest that by 2028, the city could experience up to 10 heatwaves each summer, with an increase in days exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Amidst these conditions, individuals are exploring alternatives to traditional air conditioning to manage the heat. One approach involves personal cooling devices. The Embr Wave 2, a wrist-worn device, is designed to help regulate body temperature. It functions by delivering controlled pulses of heat or cold to the wrist, stimulating temperature-sensitive nerves and signaling the brain's temperature-control center. Research from UC Berkeley suggests this can make users feel as though the ambient temperature has shifted by 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit. The device, which lasts over nine hours on a single charge, offers various temperature modes and customizable sessions through a smartphone app. Beyond sleep, users have reported benefits for hot flashes, stress, and symptoms associated with certain medical conditions.
Another strategy focuses on specialized sleepwear. Dagsmejan's Stay Cool sleepwear utilizes eucalyptus-derived fabric, which the company claims is significantly more breathable than cotton and dries rapidly. This material is designed to promote efficient sweat evaporation, thereby naturally cooling the skin and preventing the cycle of overheating and interrupted sleep. Testing indicated that this sleepwear remained breathable and cool throughout the night, reducing clamminess upon waking.
Cooling bedding is also being adopted as a means to combat heat buildup during sleep. Coop's Cool+ bedding is made from a nylon-spandex blend intended to absorb less heat and wick moisture away from the body. The fabric's texture is compared to athletic wear, being soft, stretchy, and cool to the touch, although noted as potentially slippery. The brand's adjustable pillow, featuring gel-infused memory foam and microfiber for airflow, is designed to remain cooler for longer. The pillow's fill is customizable for height and firmness. Coop also offers a mattress topper made with a similar material, claimed to increase airflow by 50%. While these cooling products are not a substitute for air conditioning during extreme heat, they aim to reduce heat accumulation, improve airflow, and create a more comfortable sleeping environment.