If you thought (like us) that Arizona would be one of the handful of Southern U.S. states where people would have the hardest time sleeping on hot summer nights, you would be incorrect. Of all places, Alaska is actually the state with the most Google searches per capita for “too hot to sleep.”

Why?

It’s not the outdoor temperature🌡️, but the availability of central A/C ❄️ — something Arizona excels in — that best predicts nighttime comfort during the summer. Northern states like Montana, Maine, and Oregon — and especially Alaska — understandably have low availability of central air conditioning. This can make sleeping on hot summer nights unbearable!

How dow we know this?

We pulled data from Google search behavior and government data on central air conditioning availability at the state level:

  • Google Trends data showing state-by-state search volume for “too hot to sleep” over the past 5 years
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration data on state-by-state availability of central air conditioning in 2022

It’s really the cooler states that have the hottest summer nights — because they don’t have A/C!

See how your state ranks:

Google Search Volume for “Too Hot to Sleep” by State

May 26, 2020 – May 26, 2025

About the data: When Google Trends shows multiple regions with the same visible value (e.g., 75), it’s because:

  • Trends data is normalized (on a scale of 0 to 100),
  • Then rounded (often to the nearest 5 or 10 for simplicity in UI),
  • But internally, Google retains more precise values (decimals or integers from 0–100).

So even if several regions show a score of 75, Google can still rank them from 1 to 50 based on unrounded underlying values — which it doesn’t expose publicly.

Proportion of the Population with Central Air Conditioning (by State)

2022

Caveat: There was too little data on central air conditioning in Alaska to be reported. It’s most likely between 0 and 5%.

What to Do If It’s Too Hot to Sleep

Sleep is essential for human health and productivity. If you can’t get your indoor temps down with air conditioning, try the following measures to stay cool and get the rest your body needs:

🌬️ 1. Use a Fan Strategically

Position a fan near a window to pull in cooler outside air. Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of the fan for extra cooling power — it acts like a mini air conditioner.

🛏️ 2. Swap Out Your Bedding

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid memory foam and flannel — they trap heat. A cooling mattress pad or moisture-wicking sheets can also make a big difference.

🚿 3. Take a Lukewarm Shower Before Bed

A lukewarm (not cold!) shower helps your body dissipate heat. Your core temperature will drop naturally after stepping out, making it easier to fall asleep.

❄️ 4. Cool Your Pulse Points

Apply a cool washcloth, gel pack, or ice cube (wrapped in a cloth) to pulse points: wrists, neck, behind the knees, and ankles. This helps lower overall body temperature.

🧦 5. Skip Pajamas — or Chill Them First

Wear light, breathable sleepwear — or none at all. For a cool-down hack, put your pillowcase or pajamas in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before bed.

💧 6. Stay Hydrated — But Not Too Late

Drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration, which can worsen heat sensitivity. But cut off fluids 1–2 hours before bed to avoid overnight trips to the bathroom.

🕯️ 7. Turn Off Heat Sources Early

Electronics, stoves, and even lightbulbs generate heat. Dim the lights and unplug unused devices at least an hour before bed to keep your bedroom cooler.

🧘 8. Stay Calm and Breathe

Heat can make you restless — and stress only makes it worse. Try calming breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation, or a sleep meditation app to ease into rest, even if you’re warm.

Still can’t sleep through hot nights?
You may be dealing with more than temperature issues. If heat is just one of many barriers to rest, our team at the Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona can help you find lasting solutions.

📍 Learn more or book a consultation here.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your individual health needs.