Hotel operator Holiday Inn has launched a new 'human bed warming service', which is being trialled at three properties across the UK to ensure that guests are kept warm during the cold weather.

The complimentary five-minute bed-warming service is being provided at the company's Kensington Forum, Kingston South and Manchester Central Park properties between 18-25 January. Sessions at the three properties can be booked between 9-11pm each night, which will see bed warmers dressed in all-in-one sleeper suits act as human electric blankets to increase bed temperatures.

Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said: "There's plenty of scientific evidence to show that sleep starts at the beginning of the night when body temperature starts to drop. "A warm bed - approximately 20 to 24 degrees Celsius - is a good way to start this process whereas a cold bed would inhibit sleep."

Holiday Inn spokesperson Jane Bednall added: "The new Holiday Inn bed warmers service is a bit like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed, warming it up before guests climb in to give them a great night's sleep away from the cold. And of course they jump out before you jump in."