I posted these under another heading, but thought they might be useful in a dedicated thread. Please add your own ideas so we have a good store of remedies for this heat - also the summer heat to come ;
1. 4mm polycarbonate panels on South-facing windows, fixed with heavy duty velcro. These keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. I measured them so they fit behind the window handles and windows can still be opened. This works really well, although fexpensive to start with.
2. line curtains with blackout and thermal lining [ie the fabric that has both properties].
3. close the curtains and windows on the side the sun is shining, opening windows and curtains the other side for ventilation
4. buy Egyptian cotton sheets - they wick sweat far better than polycotton. Ditto cotton PJ's, clothing and underwear
5. use a cold water bottle [ie as opposed to a hot water bottle] in bed
6. either get up earlier before the heat OR become a night owl for the summer
7. add lime cordial, mint leaves and ice to carbonated water, for a cooling drink
8. buy an inexpensive fan and an extension lead - to use outdoors and indoors. Or, a Japanese paper fan
9. fix a simple home-made canopy to your exterior [mine is fixed to the veranda] - this cuts out most of the heat whilst allowing light through. Mine's fixed with vine eyes, butcher hooks, carabiners, bamboo rods fore and aft for strengthening and washing-line poles. The fabric is modern awning canvas, which is much more lightweight.
