If you’re a hot sleeper, finding the best cooling sheets can be a struggle. But it shouldn’t be! Everyone deserves to rest comfortably all night long, and that’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide for those who run warm. Learn what type of bedding keeps you cool, which materials to avoid, and how to choose the best bedding for hot sleepers.
Sleeping in a room that’s too hot or under bedding that’s too warm is a nightmare for your body — if you get any shut-eye in the first place, that is. Overnight temperatures aren’t just preference: they’re biological.
Your circadian rhythm, AKA your internal clock, is famously responsible for regulating sleep patterns, but did you know it also controls your body temperature? As you wind down for bed, you begin to thermoregulate, which is a fancy way of saying that your core body temperature drops by a few degrees.
Interestingly, we gravitate towards warmth at night, cozying up under layers of bedding. This may seem strange, but it’s thought that raising our skin temperature actually lowers our body temperature. Still, trapping too much heat leads to a night of restlessness.
So if you’re a hot sleeper, don’t skip the covers! Instead, opt for the best cooling sheets you can find.
We’ll identify the best bedding material for hot sleepers in just a minute, but first, we need to mention a few traits that contribute to a fabric’s cool feeling.
So, what’s the best bedding for hot sleepers that boasts all of these properties? Here are a few materials that work great to make cool sheets for hot sleepers.
Linen’s thick fibers make the flax-based material a win in the lightweight and breathability departments. Its relatively coarse strands contribute to a looser weave than other natural textiles, which provides superior ventilation and low density. Both of these properties make for a cooling experience under the covers.
Better yet, linen can handle its moisture. It can absorb up to 20% of its weight without sleepers noticing any dampness. Even then, it’s quick-drying, making it an excellent choice for the sweatiest of nights.
But you don’t have to be a hot sleeper to enjoy this eco-friendly fabric. Linen’s an expert at thermoregulation, keeping you warm and cozy in cold temperatures while fighting heat in warm ones.
Tightly woven cotton may sound heavy and unbreathable, but it’s quite the opposite. Although percale and sateen sheets are made with tight weaves, these patterns are still much looser than that of polyester or other synthetics. So fear not, cotton is a great fiber to create cool sheets for hot sleepers.
But not all cotton is equal. For example, organic cotton is softer, more breathable, and more absorbent than conventionally-grown varieties. Beyond that, search for percale-woven fabrics. Its one-yarn-over, one-yarn-under construction provides the lightest, most airy texture of all cotton weaves. Think of it like the linen of cotton!
Bamboo sheets are incredibly moisture-wicking, lightweight, and soft. And thanks to micro-gaps in the fabric’s construction, it’s also very breathable and absorbent. Despite this, many people claim bamboo sheets don’t offer as much of a cooling sensation as cotton or linen. It’s also slow-drying due to its high absorbency.
Notably, buyers love bamboo for its sustainability, but standard manufacturing processes involve tons of harmful chemicals post-harvest. So, the fabric isn’t as green as it may seem.
There are some definite no-nos when looking for bedding for hot sleepers. Not only are these fabrics less cooling than those above, but they can also make you even warmer. Hot sleepers — stay away from these textiles:
Now that we know what type of bedding keeps you cool (and which materials definitely don’t), we can talk about the best bedding for hot sleepers. No more sacrificing covers for coolness. Instead, you can have both with these best cooling sheets that you need to try.
Our stonewashed linen sheets check all the boxes for those who run warm at night. These cool sheets for hot sleepers are perfectly airy, lightweight, and thermoregulating. That means you can keep them on throughout any weather. They’ll always help you maintain the perfect temperature!
And don’t worry, sweaty sleepers: linen boasts antibacterial properties that’ll help keep you safe, and the fibers stay strong throughout every single wash. Plus, our stonewashed set is naturally soft and smooth. No breaking-in necessary!
Percale’s crisp, cool feel and organic cotton’s enhanced absorption and breathability make this bedding a clear winner. Our cotton percale sheet sets are incredibly soft and ultra-light. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud!
These smooth-to-the-touch, linen-like cotton sheets are a dream come true for hot summer nights or cool winters with the heater turned on. Either way, you’ll feel perfectly comfortable wrapped up in our organic percale bedding.
Bedding material says a lot, but there are other traits to keep in mind while choosing the best bedding for hot sleepers. Consider these tips while you’re shopping for new cooling sheets.
Natural materials like cotton and linen always offer superior breathability. Synthetic fabrics are woven extremely tight, causing them to trap heat. Plus, you can rest easily knowing 100-percent natural textiles are also safer for the environment, workers, and your health.
Higher thread counts are associated with comfort and luxury, but it’s not the holy grail of cool bed sheets. With thread counts, or GSM in linen, the higher the number, the more dense the yarn. However, these tightly packed threads prevent airflow and add weight.
Still, very low counts may indicate poor quality. So instead, look for something in the middle of your fabric’s ideal thread count range.
Always keep an eye out for fabric blends when buying bedding. Blends may introduce some desirable qualities like improving your textile’s longevity or elasticity, but you could end up with a product you didn’t actually want.
For example, a bit of polyester in your linen sheets would mean they’re no longer biodegradable. So read your packages carefully!
Remember that we lose heat (and sweat) through our heads too. So, don’t forget to swap out your old pillowcases when you update the rest of your bedding! Plus, that cool pillow feeling is a simple pleasure like no other.
After all the work you’ve spent searching for cool sheets for hot sleepers, it’d be a shame for them to disappoint. However, if you find your cooling sheets aren’t helpful — or worse, make you warmer — it’s nice to have the security of a return policy behind you.
The best cooling sheets for hot sleepers are made from breathable, lightweight, and absorbent materials like linen and percale cotton. In addition, aim for lower thread counts, natural textiles, and avoid heat-trapping synthetics. Remember this while shopping, and you’ll enjoy the best, coolest sleep of your life!
