My best things to buy when you are over 50 to survive a heatwave

This fan came with the house when we moved in and it is genuinely one of the ugliest things I own. But it means I can finally have air moving around the room at night without it blasting directly in my face.

Total game changer for actually getting some sleep in the heat. Sometimes the least glamorous option is the one that works.

This is my go to for working from home and pottering in the garden. It's not something I'd personally leave the house in myself (too old and far too cosy for that), but you may well want to, since it's actually meant for outdoors. It's stretchy, has pockets, a decent length, and is made from lightweight bamboo jersey that washes well and dries quickly.

It only goes up to an XL (a 16/18) unfortunately, so worth knowing before you order. I got a friend to try one and she was instantly converted.

For anyone who knows the summer nightmare of a bra, underwire, sweating and rage, these have been brilliant. They're sweat wicking and so soft.

They're not designed for exercise and sizing is a bit limited but also surprised me how well it fitted. They're comfortable enough to sleep in too.

For those areas that might get a bit hot and sweaty... It's not easy to find in the UK, I get mine through iHerb.

This shower gel for the summer is brilliant. It's gentle but properly cleansing, and helps stop any irritation before it starts.

I caved a few months ago and bought linen bedding. Yes, it was expensive, and yes, my husband thought I had lost my mind. That was until the first night sleeping in it. Then it was a quiet "oh, erm, yes, I get it."

Linen does this magical thing of keeping you warm without ever feeling hot. And then cool enough to sleep under in a heatwave. We have the fitted sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases, plus two single sheets I ordered just before the first heatwave, which we sleep under instead of the duvet. No more too hot, heatwave or not.

Mine is all from The Secret Linen Store. It washes beautifully and only gets softer over time.

My current favourite pyjamas. The vest has a split back, it's so soft and really flattering, and I have the matching shorts too.

I've also picked up a few bits from Nudea. They're organic, thin, airy cotton and everything mixes and matches easily.