THE long-awaited hot weather has finally arrived....bringing with it thunderstorms, floods and sleepless nights. And across East Lancashire, tired workers are complaining that it is "just too hot to get a good night's kip". CAROLINE INNES reports.

AFTER weeks of poor weather, temperatures hit 30C in East Lancashire at the weekend.

But why are people who had been bemoaning the lack of a summer still not happy?

Humidity. That is the problem.

The heat, coupled with the humidity, is creating uncomfortable bedtimes for most, who can't find the best way to keep cool at night.

Humidity has already reached 19 degrees on a Met Office dew point measurement and the 85 per cent humidity has been pushed up by rain, creating extra moisture.

It's one of the highest measurements for years but is made worse by the length of time the weather has lasted.

Usually humid weather is cured by a heavy thunderstorm.

But the hot and humid weather to blame for many restless nights' sleep originated from the tropics and the remnants of Hurricane Alex.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "There is a lot of tropical air moving across the UK at the moment. As it crosses the sea the clouds are picking up moisture constantly bringing the hot air and the moist, humid atmosphere which we have been experiencing.

"Normally the temperature drops at night but there has been a lot of thick cloud acting as a blanket stopping this from happening. That is why it has been so warm through the nights recently - the heat simply can't get out.

"The forecast is more rain and more thunderstorms for the rest of the week but there will be a drop in temperature tonight and Wednesday to an expected minimum of 14C."

Traditional tips on keeping cool at night are not as effective when the heat is coupled with a sticky, humid atmosphere. Now people have been told to choose bed linen that is cool and lightweight and take a cool shower before bed to keep them fresh and comfortable.

Alternatively, medical experts advise taking a cool bath with lavender oil to help the body release heat.

Carol Holden, from Windermere Avenue, Clitheroe, is an aromatherapist who has treated people who have trouble sleeping and has studied the effects of lavender on the ability to fall asleep.

She said: "Sleep is vitally important for our health and well-being. It is the time when our bodies actually repair themselves.

"If people don't get enough sleep they can become irritable, emotional, stressed and extremely tired which can have an impact on their overall health.

"Lack of sleep is something that a lot of people suffer from particularly in the warm weather."

Sweltering in uniforms

LEADING firefighter Craig Etherington, from Darwen fire station, said that the men at the station had been suffering along with everyone else.

He said: "The weather has been hot for everyone, but when we put on our firefighting kit it is even worse.

"Of course the kit is essential to protect us from fire but when you think of all the different bits we have to put on it is not hard to imagine how warm and uncomfortable we get.

"It is really hard to cool down when we get back to the station and try to sleep."

'Still too hot with fans'

TAMARA Jayne, a hairdresser at the Hair Academy in James Street, Burnley, has put two fans on either side of her bed and still is too hot.

She said: "It has been really warm at work with all the hairdryers blasting.

"We have been trying to drink lots of water and use fans but they are not making a difference.

"The worst thing is not being able to sleep at night. It is really clammy and miserable.

"I wouldn't mind if it was bright but it is so over cast and humid it is horrible

"Even with my fans and the windows open I can't get to sleep."

Animals keep their cool

IT IS a completely different story for all the animals lucky enough to be staying at The Pet Hotel, Accrington, Burnley.

They are all fortunate enough to be staying in state-of-the-art air-conditioned kennels.

Owner Rebecca Lord, said: "All of our animal guests have been sleeping soundly in cool kennels.

"We have been making sure they have plenty of water so they don't get dehydrated and owners who don't have air-conditioning should just make sure that the rooms are well ventilated but not draughty so their pets don't get chilled."

Top Tips for a good night's sleep.

l If you have an electric alarm clock replace with a battery operated one as the electrical currents can disturb sleep patterns.

l Don't drink tea, coffee or any other drink containing caffeine at least two hours before bed.

l Similarly. avoid eating heavy meals for bedtime. If your metabolism is working it will be difficult to doze off.

l Dab lavender water on to your pillow or night wear. It has been found to help relax the mind and body.

l Dedicate the bedroom to sleep by avoiding watching television in bed.

l Replace curtains or blinds that let in light.