Weather
Brits settle the hot vs cold debate – and the answer might surprise you
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Brits settle the hot vs cold debate – and the answer might surprise you Brits have weighed in on whether it’s worse to be too hot or too cold, and their verdict comes down to getting a decent night’s sleep. Brits have finally settled the debate about whether it is better to be too hot or too cold – with more than half preferring to be permanently chilly. A new survey of 2,000 adults revealed 52% would rather be cold, because they sleep better (65%), dislike being sweaty (63%) and become more...
Brits settle the hot vs cold debate – and the answer might surprise you
Brits have weighed in on whether it’s worse to be too hot or too cold, and their verdict comes down to getting a decent night’s sleep.
Brits have finally settled the debate about whether it is better to be too hot or too cold – with more than half preferring to be permanently chilly. A new survey of 2,000 adults revealed 52% would rather be cold, because they sleep better (65%), dislike being sweaty (63%) and become more irritable when hot (50%).
Two-thirds of people claim they're unable to get anything done when the temperature soars, with 22% even pulling out of plans entirely during a heatwave. By contrast, those who prefer the heat say it's because they can wear fewer layers (58%) and cut back on heating bills (56%).
Nearly half (49%) said the weather is their default small talk subject, with Brits moaning an average of four times a day when temperatures rise abnormally high.
The study was commissioned by drinks brand Minus 196, marking the launch of its 'Chiller Room' on Clapham Common this week — a bar set at the perfect temperature to provide relief from the summer heat.
The most popular ways to keep cool included drinking cold drinks, using a fan and switching to lighter clothing, while around half opt for cold showers and a further 42% reach for ice cream to beat the heat.
A spokesperson from the brand said: "After the recent heatwaves across the UK, we know how quickly the heat can affect people's moods. "We wanted to create a space where they can properly chill out, escape the heat, and enjoy being on the cooler side for a change. "
According to the research from OnePoll.com, 20.5°C is considered the perfect outdoor temperature, while 15.3°C is the ideal temperature for sleeping – with 80% claiming they sleep better when it's cold.
During a heatwave, Brits will swerve exercise, household chores and even venturing outside altogether, while others will ditch hot drinks, cooking and eating hot food. Using public transport, cuddling and dancing were also no-gos.
A spokesperson for Minus 196 added: "Everyone has their own way of getting through the heat, whether that's reaching for a cold drink, sitting in front of a fan or simply avoiding anything too strenuous.
"Heat can affect everything from sleep and productivity to our social lives, meaning most feel they function better when things are a little cooler. "It's no surprise so many people are looking for ways to stay refreshed. ".